The Holy Spirit provides supernatural comfort to enable us to endure trials and comfort others, with the promise of creating peace in us.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the theme of supernatural comfort provided by the Holy Spirit during trials and tribulations. He explains that while God does not promise deliverance from struggles, He assures us of His comforting presence to help us endure. This comfort is not merely a temporary relief but a profound, supernatural peace that empowers us to support others in their distress. Wilkerson highlights the importance of faith in receiving this comfort and encourages believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts amidst fear and uncertainty.
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"Blessed be the ... 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). All over the world, people are going through sufferings and trials and the Lord has promised to comfort us in them. Notice that nothing is said here about deliverance from the battle; we are told only that the Holy Spirit gives us comfort to endure and stay steadfast in our trial.
This comfort, provided by the Spirit in the midst of our troubles, is not simply a temporary lifting of the burden. It is not a sigh of relief, a shutting out of troubling thoughts or fears. Rather, it is supernatural. Such comfort is the exclusive ministry of the Holy Spirit, accomplished by faith as we trust in his love for us.
Scripture tells us, "You will comfort those in Zion. You will have a word of healing for those who are in despair and fear" (see Isaiah 61:2-3). In response to our faith, God's Spirit promises to create something in us that will bring comfort in every conceivable trouble and fearsome circumstance. He will put in us a word that can heal, comfort and encourage others.
The Spirit said through Isaiah, "I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him ... I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace" (Isaiah 57:18-19). This is one of the most encouraging promises in God's Word. The Lord says he will drive out from us the spirit of fear and implant in us his supernatural spirit of peace. Isaiah repeats the word "peace" here to emphasize it is a continual peace. Simply put, the Holy Spirit promises, "I will create peace in you."
As the gathering clouds cause fear in the world, may you walk according to this word from Paul: "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). Amen!
Sermon Outline
- The Comfort of God
- Blessed be the God of all comfort
- Comfort in all tribulation
- Comfort to comfort others
Key Quotes
“Blessed be the 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
“I will create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace” — David Wilkerson
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can experience supernatural comfort by trusting in the Holy Spirit's love for us.
- God's comfort enables us to comfort others who are in trouble.
- We can walk in God's peace by letting it rule in our hearts.
