2 Corinthians 7:5-6 – For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. (NIV)

For a number of years, I found myself in an extremely difficult job situation where harassment and bullying from a co-worker was simply part of life. In time, however, it took more and more of a toll on me — body, mind, and soul — as no amount of confrontation or intervention made a dent in this person's onslaught. The end result was that my life constantly held conflicts on the outside and fears within. But God, Who comforts the downcast, comforted me by "the coming" of friends and family who encouraged, listened, advised, and offered practical aid which strengthened and supported me, and finally gave me the courage and confidence to tell my employer to take this job and shove it, even though the prospect of finding other employment was slim to nil due to the job shortage in our area.

Finally, the situation was at an end, and truly, what a relief it was, for though I didn't know what the future held for me job-wise, as the old saying goes, I knew Who held the future: God Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream.

Today, you may be in what seems to be an unendurable situation as well, one which is taxing you, body, mind, and soul, and you simply don't know what to do or where to turn. If so, be encouraged by today's Scripture, for just at the right time, God, Who comforts the downcast, will comfort you by "the coming". What "the coming" will be, I don't know, but He does, and you can rest assured that it will be exactly the right thing for you and your situation, just as it was for Paul and Timothy and me and hundreds of thousands of others down through the ages to whom He has come at just the right moment.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are the God Who comforts the downcast. Encourage us this day to continue to look in hope and faith for Your coming amidst any conflicts on the outside and fears within that we are struggling with or may encounter. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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