Squeezing pressure! No escape!

 
Ever felt squeezed, hemmed in, no escape, unable to turn (tribulation) . . . reminds me of the “valley of the shadow of death” in Psalm 23. Mountains so tall on either side you can’t see the tops, pitch blackness behind, only the light ahead seen dimly down the narrow path – how do I know there’s a light? because there is a shadow! And, oh, what a Light it is!!!!
 
In the Daily Bread this morning the scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7.  I am in a rush today, lots to do, things to accomplish and I thought “I’ll just read the verses quickly then move on.” Not happening! 
 
Look at verse 3 – Bless be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – the Father of ALL  mercies and the God of ALL comfort
 
Mercies – deep feelings for us by God as He sees us in our difficulties – that little word ALL is not insignificant
 
Comfort – Our ever present God provides to us ALL encouragement, refreshment, strength, aid, assist,  help in the time of our need

Verse 4 just made me sit back  -  when we are hit with trouble, and it will hit time and again, what is our first thought?
 

” I don’t like this. Why me! I want to run. I want to escape the pressure”, right?

 

I know these times come, lovingly allowed through our Lord’s fingers to draw us closer to Him, to work our trust muscle – praise Him for that. 

BUT, look at verse 4. It is not focused on us . . . first, we fall on our knees and trust . . .
THEN . . .“that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God”!
 
Verses 5 to7 continue to amaze!The second half of our sufferings, difficulties, tribulation (squeezing pressure) is not for us or about us! It’s for the onlookers – our family, our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers, anyone who comes in contact with us! What was the reason for Christ’s sufferings? To bring us to the Father! 
 
What if all this “uncomfortable stuff” is a gift? A wondrous privilege, us to be used by the God of the Universe, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We suffer in order for those around us to be drawn to His beautiful light shining from us. What if our hands touch others with the love and comfort given to us by Him that nudges their heart closer to our Lord? What if our face reflects His joy through the hardship to cause others to marvel at His strength given to us so that they in turn seek Him and are provided with their own source of unlimited strength? What if our words dipped in God’s comfort and mercy point them to the very heart of God?
 
And what of the great cloud of witnesses surrounding our lives? Are they not encouraged? Are they not bringing down the rafters with cheers and praise to our God? Are they not standing, shouting “hallelujah” watching our Lord rise  and shaking Heaven’s foundations with His applause for us????
 
Puts a new perspective on “getting through” our difficult times!