Blessed in Order to Be a Blessing
God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others in similar affliction, and put our own storms to good use.
John Wesley emphasizes that God comforts us in our troubles so that we can extend that comfort to others. He encourages believers to reflect on their own experiences of affliction and recognize how God has provided solace, urging them to share that comfort with those who are suffering. Wesley illustrates this with a fable about a piece of wood being shaped into a flute, suggesting that our trials can transform us into instruments of blessing for others. He reminds us that our pain can be used by God to create something beautiful that brings comfort to the world. Ultimately, we are blessed to be a blessing, and our struggles can lead to sweet music that resonates with those in need.
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Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 In commenting on this verse, Wesley says: "He that has experienced one kind of affliction is able to comfort others in that affliction. He that has experienced all kinds of affliction is able to comfort them in all." If you are currently struggling, draw strength from the truth that God's comfort is given in all trials. As you reflect on the tribulations you have been through, try and remember how God comforted you, and then prayerfully consider whether God wants to use you to bring sympathetic comfort to someone similarly afflicted.
Just as God blesses us in order that we can be a blessing to others, you have been comforted in order to comfort others. In this way we put the storms in our lives, the things we would rather had not happened, to good use. A fable tells of a little piece of wood that once complained bitterly because its owner kept whittling away at it, cutting it and filling it full of holes. But the one who was cutting it so remorselessly paid no attention to its complaining. He was making a flute out of that piece of ebony, and he was too wise to give up because the wood moaned so piteously.
His actions seemed to say, "Little piece of wood, without these holes and all this cutting, you would be an ugly stick forever - just a useless piece of ebony. What I am doing now may make you think that I am destroying you when actually I am changing you into a flute whose sweet music will comfort sorrowing hearts. My cutting you is the making of you, for only thus can you be a blessing to the world." Allow God to compose sweet music from the notes of your pain, and let him lead you to the person who needs to hear your song.
A Prayer from Susanna Wesley I thank you O God for the relief and satisfaction of mind that come with the firm assurance that you govern the world; for the patience and resignation to your providence that are afforded as I reflect that even the tumultuous and irregular actions of the sinful are, nevertheless, under your direction, who are wise, good and omnipotent, and have promised to make all things work together for good to those who love you. (From Encyclopedia of Prayer and Praise)
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Comfort in Troubles
- A. He comforts us in all our troubles
- B. So that we can comfort others in any trouble
- II. The Source of Comfort
- A. The comfort we receive from God
- III. The Purpose of Comfort
- A. To comfort others in similar affliction
- IV. The Process of Comfort
- A. Reflecting on past tribulations
- B. Remembering God's comfort
- C. Considering how to use our experiences to comfort others
Key Quotes
“He that has experienced one kind of affliction is able to comfort others in that affliction. He that has experienced all kinds of affliction is able to comfort them in all.” — John Wesley
“Allow God to compose sweet music from the notes of your pain, and let him lead you to the person who needs to hear your song.” — John Wesley
“My cutting you is the making of you, for only thus can you be a blessing to the world.” — John Wesley
Application Points
- Reflect on your past tribulations and remember how God comforted you, so that you can use your experiences to comfort others.
- Allow God to compose sweet music from the notes of your pain, and let him lead you to the person who needs to hear your song.
- Use your struggles to become a blessing to others, just as God uses his providence to make all things work together for good.