Comfort vs. Pain

It started out as YHC all alone at 0630 wondering if he’d just get breakfast to go and save his notes for another time. Then @Tumbler came in at 0631, surprised no other PAX were there (and already thinking he was gonna do more talking). But eventually the pair became a total of 5 PAX when @SoloCup, @Gamma, and @Oz strolled in for a doubledown morning.

We dug into The Word to see what’s up…

What is your definition of comfort?
Are there different types or forms of comfort? Shelter, financial safety/security, A/C on a hot day?
How about when there is pain, what does comfort look like then? Do you want the pain removed as quickly as possible? Do you avoid pain to have comfort?
Is comfort a good thing? Or bad thing?
Where do you go for comfort?
What does the bible say about comfort?

Does anyone think JOY when there’s trouble?
(James 1:2-4 NLT) When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [JOY, really?]  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

The trial tests our faith and the potential to make us mature and complete.

• Francis Chan said: “Easy circumstances do not cultivate strong children.” He prays his children  go through trials.
• (Proverbs 16:9 NLT) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
• (James 1:12 NLT) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

History of comfort
Two Latin parts, com-, “together with,” and fortis, “strong or strength.”
Old French word adds “solace” and “help” to the definition.
14th century, French word “to cheer up, console” added.
17th century (and today), English means sense of physical ease.
Went from “together-strength” to “pain-barrier.”

Focus comfort as “together-strength”
Jesus makes our pain, His pain.

(1 Peter 2:21-25 NLT) For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

Jesus does not avoid pain, He comes into our world and makes our pain His pain.
Ask yourself: When you face trials or pain, are you seeking a way out or seeking Jesus?

Do you think trials are contained in some form of a want?
Not enough money, not enough time, not enough love, not enough safety, or perhaps not enough wisdom. Read Mark 4:35. We sometimes doubt God’s presence in our storms. God wouldn’t give us something tricky when we ask for something good.

(Matthew 7:7-11 NLT) Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

What about a terrible crisis or tragedy?
We can work hard, do right, obey, pray, eat healthy, go to church, help others, read the Bible and still horrible tragedies occur.

(1 Peter 1:24-25 NLT) People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.

As Christ followers, we made a place for His Word to grow in our hearts. Our flesh will fail, but with Him in us, we will live forever. Trials are temporary, but God’s Word in us is permanent.

(Romans 5:3-4 NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

MOLESKIN:

• As always, good food but even better discussion. The PAX didn’t cover all of this but YHC still wanted to share for those reading the backblast.
• @Gamma shared how good it is to see our own kids stopping to pray before mealtime. Especially when they are strong in their faith and praying when their friends may not.
• @Oz and @Gamma reminded us that we can tell our kids to “be good” but they have to believe it in themselves and not just what mama expects.
• @SoloCup reminded us that comfort can be anything (food, etc.) and too much of it can become a sin, especially when we put it before God.
• YHC mentioned the book You and Me Forever by Francis Chan. It’s not your typical book about marriage. Anyone (married or not) should read it. There’s even a free copy on their website. What’s your mission in life? #dosomething