Lessons (being) Learned

We are big on “learning the lesson” out of our difficult situations…It’s part of the self-sufficiency we acquire as birthright in our culture.  We even have clichés that magnify this.   How often does one hear the brave words, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”? 

  

The biblical way seems to speak something different, or at least richer and more faceted of difficult situations, troubles, trials, pain.  Certainly, God uses discipline to refine us and to bring about heart and behavior change, and certainly the comfort reminds us of the faithfulness and supremacy of God in Christ Jesus.  And we are certainly better for having been comforted, healed, changed. 

Psalm 119:50

(NASB) This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

(ESV) This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.

But consider this also:   

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. [2Cor1:3-5]

It (our comfort, having been comforted and our healing, having been healed) is a gift to share.  It is hope-giving.  And it whispers, sings, shouts the glory of God. Amen.