Comfort for Our Fearful Hearts
God is faithful and caring through every season, and he comforts us in all our tribulation, equipping us to comfort others and grow in maturity.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that the Christian life is not devoid of challenges, as even the most faithful believers experience difficult days. He highlights the apostle Paul's struggles, illustrating that feelings of fear and discouragement are common, yet Paul found comfort and joy in tribulation. Wilkerson reassures that God is closest to us during our trials, offering comfort and support rather than rebuke. He encourages believers to recognize that their hardships can lead to spiritual maturity and equip them to help others in their struggles. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and reliance on God's unwavering presence in our lives.
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The Christian life is not always a life of clear sailing. Every believer is going to have bad days, no matter how holy he may be. Thankfully, most Christians realize Jesus is present not only when things are going well, but also during difficult times. He is faithful and caring through every season and he is touched by every feeling we endure.
The apostle Paul was hit with a bad day while traveling to Macedonia. "When we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears" (2 Corinthians 7:5). This godly man confessed that his inner man was plagued by many fears.
Paul was not superhuman and was subject to the same human emotions as we face. But he was disciplined and never gave in to his feelings and the temptations that accompanied them. He testified, "I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 7:4).
Are you going through a bad day, a bad week, a long season of despondency? Are you cast down, discouraged, with thoughts of quitting? If so, do you wonder how God will react to your trial? Will he rebuke you or chasten you? No, never! Paul tells you that the Lord is never closer to you, never more ready to help, than when you are down and hurting.
"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" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
I believe our bad days are often meant to bring us into maturity. As you continue in your walk with the Lord, you should be more and more aware that you have all the resources needed to deal with the enemy.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Reality of Bad Days
- A. Every believer will experience difficult times
- B. Jesus is present and faithful in every season
- II. The Example of Paul
- A. Paul's inner man was plagued by fears and conflicts
- B. He was disciplined and did not give in to his feelings
- III. God's Reaction to Our Trials
- A. The Lord is never closer to us than when we are down and hurting
- B. He comforts us in all our tribulation
- IV. The Purpose of Bad Days
- A. To bring us into maturity
- B. To equip us with the resources needed to deal with the enemy
Key Quotes
“He is faithful and caring through every season and he is touched by every feeling we endure.” — David Wilkerson
“I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” — David Wilkerson
“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” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should be disciplined and not give in to our feelings during difficult times.
- We can comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
- Bad days are often meant to bring us into maturity and equip us with the resources needed to deal with the enemy.