2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
I have just completed reading the book by Chuck Swindoll, Say It Well. To say that it has had an impact is an understatement. One of the most startling illustrations he gave was a sermon preached by Dr. Dwight Pentecost during a chapel service at Dallas Theological Seminary the first year that Chuck attended. In that sermon Dr. Pentecost related how trying the conditions had been when he was a student. He and his wife lived in a tiny trailer and had very little food. Things looked very bleak for them.
One day Dwight Pentecost arrived home and announced to his wife that he was no longer going to be discouraged. He had determined in his heart that as long as they were there in that difficult situation, they were going to live an ABNORMAL LIFE.
That declaration had no immoral implications, but a declaration that even though things were trying and tough, they would persevere with the courage that looked beyond the immediate and saw the future.
If I were to send out a questionnaire, I am sure that most of us would say that we have gone through abnormal times in our life. It may be that we are going through them right now. The important thing is how we react to these abnormal times. When we, like Dr. Pentecost, determine to not become discouraged, we will have victory. When we accept the fact, that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are different from others, we will find that God will bless our abnormal life. It is in these abnormal times that we will experience His sweet nearness.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil