The Comforter

Isaiah 40:1-5

How can one find peace, in the midst of a storm? Where do you go for direction, when wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of life? Who can give comfort, in situations that are uncomfortable? This present year is nearing its end, and many have struggled to crawl out of valleys, climb over mountains, and even stand firm during stormy seasons, since the year began, and of all the things lacking in life, trouble is far from being one of them. But, regardless of how tough this year has been, we who have made it this far, can have hope that God will reward us for our perseverance. Although the prophecy in this text was directed toward the people of Judah, the power of God continues to work in favor of those who love Him, and keep His commandments. God promised to bless those who obey Him, and knowing this should bring great joy to the believer, because “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). It is indeed hard, at times, to find comfort in the midst of suffering, but the love that comes from the Father, is strong enough to penetrate through our situation, and give us peace, as we go through whatever comes against us. Be strong, and trust in the power of the Lord, because if He was loving enough to deliver Judah from years of oppression and persecution, He’ll freely carry us safely out of this trying year, and into a promising new one.

“Look back on your past, only to push you into a better future.” – Ell

The Invisible Man

John: 14:15-17

In this life of inevitable suffering, there’s one thing no man will ever willingly pass up, and that’s comfort. On a daily basis, we see people struggling from challenging circumstances, that most seem to never recover from. Not only do worldly men suffer but, believers experience uncomfortable situations, many of which are not the cause of their own doing, but they struggle to overcome them nonetheless. During childhood, some of us have been forced to deal with lack of provisions like food and clothing, and possibly being embarrassed by those who judged us by our outer appearance. As we grew older, the real challenges of life begin to manifest in the forms of dealing with the education system on the collegiate level, finding a job, dealing with unruly leadership or subordinates, and the struggles of raising a family based on godly principles. All men are positioned to face certain discomfort in this life, but for those who love God and abide by His Word, there’s an invisible man who provides comfort in all uncomfortable circumstances.

Jesus was fully aware of the state that this world would eventually become, so He prayed to the Father, so that He would send us help to endure these end-times. Without the Holy Ghost, many would have given up years ago, but because we have that divine comfort, we can make it through trials and situations that oftentimes cause men to wonder. The world can never understand, nor receive the Spirit of God, because they can’t see Him. Carnal men usually have to see something, in order to give it relevance. But, the Comforter is as real as life itself, and He guides the children of God throughout each day, encouraging them to strive to please God, because their labor is never in vain.

In those moments when you feel sad and alone, the invisible man is there to remind you, you’re never alone. When you’ve lost all hope, and are tempted to throw in the towel, the invisible man will remind you of how strong you really are, and can overcome all things, through Christ who gives you strength. When you are about to give up on love, and refuse to trust in relationship anymore, the Comforter will guide you through the Scriptures, of all who have suffered greatly, yet never gave up on love. Always be reminded, the invisible man is there, to bring you comfort, in all uncomfortable situations.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Sustained and led by the Spirit

Romans 8:26-30

Without the light (knowledge) of God’s Word to guide the path of His people through this dark and perverse world, they would all be lost, and be wandering aimlessly along dangerous paths to destruction. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, but the prince of the power of the air stole the authority man once held over the earth, yet only for a season. The apostle Peter encouraged the church to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Believers weren’t saved, and delivered from sin only to be left alone to seek God on their own strength, but the very Spirit of God assists them, as they face day-to-day challenges from their adversary.

Not only does the Holy Spirit help us counter satan and his tricks, but he guides us as we deal with our physical, moral, and mental weaknesses and flaws. Just as a ship is sustained above water because of its weight, in relation to the amount of water it displaces, the Spirit of God keeps us above the consequences of sin and carries us safely over the weight of our trials and obstacles that inevitably come against us. Even when we pray, our thoughts and desires don’t always align with God’s divine will, because our minds can become tainted with all the sin and negativity we see in the world, so the Spirit makes intercession for us, because He knows we would make many mistakes in prayer, and inspires us with proper desires that are pleasing to God.

The church is to walk by faith, and not by sight. In other words, we live, trusting God in all things, and acknowledging that He alone has the power to give us the victory in every area of our lives. Where there’s sickness, God is a healer. When your money is acting funny, God is your provider. In moments of sadness and depression, God understands our emotions, and grants peace that men will never understand. When you allow the Spirit to lead your life, you will walk the path God predestined for you before you even existed. Your purpose will be fulfilled daily, and you’ll avoid falling into the traps and snares that have been set to hinder your progress. As you live for God, you may not understand everything that goes on in your life, nor see instant change, but never forget “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (vs. 28).

Walk in love,

Ell