2 Corinthians 1 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction through the comfort we ourselves receive from G_d. For as the sufferings of Messiah overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Messiah. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in the endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1: 4-7

I have made a lot of mistakes. Unlike Frank Sinatra’s song, “My Way”, my mistakes are too many to mention. Perhaps, my mistakes are the reason why I have such an interest in teaching the Bible.

I want to warn people of the enemy’s lies, and inform them of the L_rd’s faithfulness.

Because the L_rd is faithful, His people should be faithful, as well. And how do we acquire faith?

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of G_d.” Romans 10:17

And how does reading G_d’s Word result in man’s faithfulness? Because, in the words of Shakespeare (who was quoting Ecclesiastes), “Nothing is new under the sun.” The people we read of in the Bible are dealing with the same basic issues, complications, and sins that we deal with today.

“No sin has taken you except what is common to man. G_d is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

When we read their stories, we learn to stay away from where they fell. We learn how patient, gracious, and merciful the L_rd is to sinners. We also learn how His patience has limits, and He rebukes, disciplines and judges sin & sinners.

Put simply, as we experience the L_rd’s interaction with the men and women of the Bible, we learn Who G_d is…we learn His heart. He is Holy, Just and Trustworthy. He is Faithful, so we can place our faith in Him.

Often, our faith choices lead us into difficult situations, through which the L_rd proves Himself faithful…and so it goes. When G_d’s faithfulness is experienced, we are inclined to share it with others. This is when the testimony of Scripture transcends the page and takes-on “flesh”. This is when we can comfort others with the comfort we have been comforted with.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Monday, September 16, 2013