Life is not always easy. Homeschooling is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it's downright HARD. I love reading 2 Corinthians during difficult times.
God does not look down at us and think, "My goodness! What a whiner!" Read this passage to see how God REALLY feels about our hard times. What does he want to give us? Not much ambiguity here...
The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
God wants to comfort us. He cares. He wants to give us a hug, like a parent hugs a hurting child. Now read it again, and see what God wants us to DO with our comfort.
The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, whichproduces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.
You know how some people will say, "I understand" but they really don't? The truth is that God DOES understand. He knows exactly how much the heart will cry before the tears spill out. He knows our inmost being. Read about how Paul feels, and see if it sounds familiar.
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that wedespaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death.2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Regardless of the circumstances, pressure and despair and human heart-felt pain can help two people with different kinds of hurts understand each other. One friend may not know exactly what the other is going through, but if they both know deep pain, they can come to an understanding with each other, and carry each others burdens. Why do these horrible feelings occur? Why will difficulty happen?
But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Here is the plan:
- Hard times
- Whine to God, he understands
- Receive comfort from the Lord
- Rely on God, not ourselves
- Have hope
Too bad that's not an EASY 5-step process. But at least it's something!
Our monthly newsletter comes out on the first of every month. Sign up for your free monthly newsletter here.
