Week 45: November 6, 2016
Topic: It is Time, You will be Comforted – Part 1
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-6
Introduction
Presently in the world, everybody needs relief in one way or the other. People need to be comforted from their afflictions that are putting their lives in disarray and making their journeys unbearable.
To some people it as if God does not exist or He chooses not to answer their prayers. Let me disabuse the minds of such people by stating that Almighty God is alive and they will be comforted very soon.
Whenever the righteous are being afflicted, it breaks the Lord’s heart, but they have to prove themselves that they will never deny Him or permit His glorious name to be blasphemed through them.
They must be resolute/determined that tribulation or distress or persecution will not separate them from the love of Christ Romans 8: 35. If they want to inherit the glorious home, they have to endure their tribulation until the day/time when God will bring succor and they will be comforted. Do not give up, your hour of comfort is at hand but continue to endure because “he who endures to the end shall be saved” Matthew 24: 13.
Tribulation is Inevitable
Either you like it or not, whether you are a believer or a gentile, you will have one or more tribulations during your existence. Since Jesus Christ had tribulations during His lifetime in this world, then no human is immune from tribulation.
Another important reason is that though Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away unfulfilled, says the Lord Mark 13: 31, Luke 21: 33.
God made peace and calamity: It is God that created good and evil; He made prosperity and disaster; He is the author of good times and bad times. The Book of Isaiah stated that “I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and calamity; I the Lord, do all these things Isaiah 45: 7. It is not that God is evil or He is less concerned about our situation, but since He wanted us to feel the two sides of a coin i.e. (happiness and sorrow) as a way to prove our loyalty to Him so that our condition will not make us to betray Him.
Man born with trouble: I will like to borrow a leaf from the Yorubas whose adage says "ile aiye ile ogun” which means this world is filled with troubles and pains. The Bible confirmed it by stating that “Man who is born of a woman, or carried out of a woman’s belly through cesarean section operation is of few days and full of trouble” Job 14: 1. Since we have brief period in this world, I pray that our joyful time will surpass our sorrowful period.
There is time for everything in life: The scripture testifies that there is a season for everything in life, a time for every purpose under heaven. Therefore, humans will witness time for weeping and time to be comforted when laughter will fill our mouths Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4. Today the heavens will comfort you; then your weeping will turn to laughter, your reproach will turn to glory and your sorrow/affliction/tribulation will turn to joy.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: Though it is written that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but they will never overcome them because the Lord will come to their aid and they will be delivered from their troubles Psalm 34: 19. The physical manifestation of the power of God shall be revealed in your life, all your problems will turn to history and you will be comforted in every aspect of your life.
Cheer up, He has conquered the world: Whatever tribulation that you are passing through, no matter the magnitude of your affliction, the voice came to you today to cheer up because the Lord has overcome the world and you will be comforted beyond your comprehension John 16: 33. Even if you are in an unsatisfactory condition, cheer up because you will be comforted by the Lord.
Impart of Good Name
Name always have great impart in one’s life; it can make or break your ambitions and success during your existence. The impart of a name is so great to the extent that it can hinder your progress and delay your comfort.
One Yoruba adage says “Oruko a ma ro omo” which means “a child acts according to his/her name”.
· Noah: Lamech called his son Noah, which means “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” So he needs comfort from his toil Genesis 5: 28-29. Stop calling your children bad names like wood, stone, snake etc. so that they will not act according to their given names.
· Immanuel: Emulate our Lord Jesus Christ that was named Immanuel which is translated as “God with us” Matthew 1: 23. Invariably God has rectified the spiritual separation that happened in the Garden of Eden through Christ.
· Abraham and Israel: God changed Jacob to Israel Genesis 32: 28 and Abram to Abraham Genesis 17: 5. God performed these feats so that His promises will be fulfilled and His covenant established in their lives. Henceforth, start calling/naming your children good names that will make the Lord to comfort you quickly.
God’s Love for Humanity
God loves humans to the extent that He created us in His own image and gave us dominion over everything that He made in this world Genesis 1: 26. Therefore, God that showed this great love towards us will never abandon or allow us to suffer, but He will comfort us at His earliest convenience.
You are an overcomer: Because of His love for us God equipped us for the battle with the darkness by giving us His Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that it was written that “He who is in us, is greater than he who is in the world” 1 John 4: 4. Since He is dwelling in us, it will displease Him to see His tent/dwelling place to decay or suffer corruption. Therefore as long as you permit God to reside in you, your comfort is at hand.
Fatherly Love: No father will give his child stone if he asks for bread or give the child snake if he asks for fish. If we the earthlings who are evil knows how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good things including comfort to those who ask Him Matthew 7: 9-11, Luke 11: 11-13. God will give you comfort from your afflictions, if you faithfully ask Him.
Comfort the people of God: God gave the directive that we should comfort His people who were afflicted. It is because of His undying love for mankind that made Him to give this instruction in the Bible that His people must be comforted Isaiah 40: 1. Whatever you are passing through you are not alone, comfort is on the way because God has authorized it.
You are blessed: Jesus Christ said, blessed are you when you mourn or you are afflicted for righteousness sake because you will be comforted Matthew 5: 4. Whatever tribulation that is causing tears and sorrow in your life will expire today. You will be blessed and comforted, says the Lord.
Week 46: November 13, 2016
Topic: It is time, you will be comforted – Part 2
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-6
We will proceed by discussing different types of afflictions that commonly plague human beings. Nevertheless, I want you to be assured that you will be comforted as long as you hold on to their faith.
Types of Afflictions
At this end time, Satan and the darkness are inflicting several types of afflictions on humans, most especially the believers. The aim of the Devil is to:
· Derail their/you spiritual journeys.
· Reduce or nullify their faith in the Lord.
· And make them to deny God or betray His covenant because of their discomfort.
Tears: If it is oppression that is causing tears in your life with no one to comfort you, whereas your oppressors have great power. Therefore they make your life bitter, and you are helpless as it is written in the Bible Ecclesiastes 4: 1. Do not lose hope, your comfort is on the way, says the scripture since you have sown in tears, definitely you will be comforted and reap in joy Psalm 126: 5.
If tears have become your food day and night to the extent that your enemies are taunting you saying “Where is your God?” Psalm 42: 3. Today, inconsolable weeping and endless crying will come to an end in your life because God will comfort and save you from death. He shall deliver your eyes from tears and your feet from stumbling Psalm 116: 8.
If your own case is secret tears and private weeping to the extent that you are tired or worn out from sobbing. All night you always wet your pillow with tears and drench your bed with tears, I want you to know that it has ended today Psalm 6: 6. Thus says the Lord, “Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, do not weep any longer, but wipe away your tears , for your good work shall be rewarded; you shall be comforted and your captivities will be restored Jeremiah 31: 16.
Reproaches: The affliction in most people’s lives is reproach, since no human is without reproach/reproaches. Though some people’s reproaches are not visible: meaning that it is private, while other people always assume that such category did not have reproaches.
I have this to say to the people who know right from wrong, those who obey and cherish the law of our God, “Do not fear the reproach of men nor be afraid of their insults” because your reproach will soon turn to history Isaiah 51: 7. The Almighty God that took away the reproach of Elizabeth among her people will erase your reproaches permanently Luke 1: 25. The I AM who I AM that remembered Rachel and opened her womb will remember you today with unforgettable goodness. He that gave Rachel a son called Joseph shall turn your reproaches to glory and you will be comforted Genesis 30: 22-24. The Ancient of Days that removed the aged reproach of the Israelites together with the shame of their slavery in Egypt will comfort you and transform your life positively Joshua 5: 9.
Bereavement: If the source of your agony is bereavement. If the death of your beloved is causing intense grief and a period of mourning, I want you to know that you will be comforted. Let it be known that we that are alive now and those that are dead will meet at the feet of the Lord to part no more. Therefore comfort one another with these words 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18.
Financial debt: If you are worried about your financial debt and your level of indebtedness or the terms of your debt is causing untold hardship in your life. I want you to be confident that Almighty God that helped the biblical widow to pay her debt is very near to you. He will assist you to pay all your debts. He will turn your debts to credits, you will be comforted and you shall witness financial relief in your life 2 Kings 4: 1-7.
No savings: This particular discomfort is very common among the world populace, whereby people live from pay check to pay check. This occurrence cut across every country, race, gender and age bracket in the world. If you belong to this group of people, be assured that you will be comforted.
Jehovah that made it possible for the widow of Zarepheth to feed and sustain her household during the great drought will make you comfortable during your lifetime. Your spiritual bin of flour shall not be used up or emptied and your jar of oil will never dry 1 Kings 17: 12-16. If you trust the Lord to keep His words, then the authority of abundance that will expel the discomfort of living from paycheck to paycheck shall be established in your life.
Scarcity of goodness: If your source of agony is because you lack the skills/items/wealth to be in uniformity with your peers. Do not fear because the King of kings will comfort and provide for your needs. He will erase permanently from your life the problem of “I don’t have” and turn your scarcity to abundance.
He that turned scarcity to abundance within 24 hours in the land of Samaria will repeat the same feat in your life and every form of lack shall turn to history 2 Kings 7: 1-9, 16. As from today you will have sufficient goodness, surplus goodness and goodness shall never lack again in your life.
Sickness: If it is sickness or infirmity that is causing discomfort in your life cheer up because you will be cured today. If Satan is using your illness to siphon your resources or your disease has defied medication, there is no cause for alarm. The Great Healer will heal you perfectly, once you hold on to your faith.
If your ailment is causing unbearable pains and threatens to put your life in jeopardy/disarray. The Lord of hosts that healed King Hezekiah and added 15 years to his days will cure you of your sickness and add years to your lifespan Isaiah 38: 1-5.
If it is the prediction or the diagnosis of the physicians/doctors that you will not live long that is troubling you. I guarantee you in the name of the Lord that their forecast about you will never come to pass.
Just hold on to your faith, then you will be comforted and your dry bones shall live, says the Lord Ezekiel 37: 1-10.
Week 47: November 20, 2016
Topic: It is Time, You will be comforted – Part 3
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-6
This study will continue with the directives of the Lord about comforting other people.
Comfort Other People
People of the Lord, it is our duty to comfort other people during our afflictive period so that we ourselves will be comforted by the Lord.
Most people always neglect or ignore others during their afflictive period because of the distress/grief/agony that they are passing through. This is a wrong attitude, therefore be considerate and comfort others during your discomfort period.
God comforts the downcast: I want us to know that it is only God and not the darkness that can comfort the discouraged people. Though God will not come down from His heavenly throne, but He can use humans like you or any of His creations.
God comforts you to set an example that you too need to comfort other people. It is your duty to comfort others that are afflicted 2 Corinthians 7: 6.
Comfort the afflicted: If the Spirit of the Lord is dwelling in your life, then it is your obligation to comfort other people. Most people are usually engrossed in their situations and their agony will make them to think that they need to be comforted instead of comforting people who need their assistance. No matter the magnitude of your distress you have to comfort others in order to be comforted by the Lord. Isaiah 61: 1-2
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation/troubles, which we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4. Do not be absorbed completely by your condition in manners that will make you to forget/ignore other people and their troubles, since it is your duty to give them the same comfort that God has given you when you are in distress.
Comfort and edify one another: Comforting each other is not enough; therefore we must edify the faith of one another. We that are already doing this must continue to encourage one another and take necessary steps to edify the faith of others so that people who are ignorant of this directive will follow suit. 1 Thessalonians 5: 11
Conducts During the Period of Affliction
Abstain from Sin: If you are in agony/distress this is not an excuse for you to fall into sin or disobey the statues of the Lord because you cannot continue in sin and expect the grace of the Lord to increase/multiply in your life. Romans 6: 1.
Fear the Lord: Ask whatever you want from the Lord with faith and boldness. In addition do not be afraid of humans, but fear God. Since it is God who comforts you, then do not displease Him to please human. Isaiah 51: 12
Confess the words of the Lord: Let the word of the Lord be your comfort during your afflictive period, despite your pain continue to rejoice in the Lord. Also continue to confess publicly that the words of the Holy One are powerful and it can deliver one from their troubles Job 6: 10. I remember the Yoruba song which says “Nigba isoro tabi lojo idera e mayo niwaju Oluwa gegebi onigbagbo ododo”. The interpretation is “during the turbulent period and when you are comfortable, be rejoicing before the Lord like a righteous Christian”. For this reason do not allow your affliction to make you to conceal the Word of God but declare/proclaim it openly.
Put Your hope in the word and the law: If you put your hope in the word of the Lord, it will renew your life and comfort you in your suffering. If you want to be comforted in all your troubles then you must depend on the Word of the Lord that has the capability to revive you or give you life Psalm 119: 50
People that did not forget the statues of the Lord are blessed, and they will be comforted. Let it be known that every soul that kept the ordinances/laws of the Lord, it will guide, guard and comfort them Psalm 119: 52.
Beware of falsehood: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing during your afflictive period because they may come to you and pretend to be comforting you. You will identify them by the word of their mouths. They will be comforting you with empty words that are misleading and if you are vigilant you will notice that everything they are saying is false Job 21: 34. Be careful so that you will not be led astray by pretenders who will come with futile words that cannot comfort you but are full of lies.
Wait upon the Lord: Christians no matter what is happening in our lives, let us wait upon our Lord Jesus Christ to resolve it because whoever waits on Him will never inherit nothing. The Bible stated that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint Isaiah 40: 31.
Do not seek the assistance of the darkness: It is an abomination for the children of light to mingle with the darkness because there is no fellowship between the light and darkness. For this reason, whatever you are going through, do not seek the assistance of mediums or consult those with the familiar spirits including the palm readers, fortune tellers, clairvoyants, psychics etc. so that you will be comforted and not defile yourself Leviticus 19: 31.
Do not be angry at the Lord: You must know that it is not the Lord that afflicts you, but He only permits it to happen because of one reason or the other.
Many people ruin their lives by their own foolishness, and then they will be angry at the Lord and blame Him for their misfortunes Proverbs 19: 3. Since the Bible confirms that Satan is the tempter, be wise during your afflictive period so that you will be comforted. Also remember that God is displeased with your condition, therefore do not allow foolish acts to twist your way and make your heart to fret/rage/upset with against the Lord.
Do not argue/quarrel with your Creator: Whatever the circumstance do not argue or quarrel with your Creator. No matter the level of your discomfort do not insult the Lord or verbally abuse His Holy name. The scripture says, “Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with potsherd of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ Or shall your handiwork say, ’He has no hands?’ ” Isaiah 45: 9. If you want to be comforted, then do not query or question the Lord concerning your condition else you’ll become accursed.
Week 48: November 27, 2016
Topic: It is Time, You will be comforted – Part 4
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-6
The study continues with discussions focusing on what we have to endure during our discomfort period.
Endurance During Afflictive Period
Christians must realize that it is the loving-kindness and the faithfulness of the Lord that sustain and kept us alive. Had it not been because of His mercies and unfailing compassions, we would have been consumed Lamentations 3: 22.
Scriptures give hope through endurance: To keep your hope alive and be comforted you need endurance because everything that was written in the past, was written in the Bible to teach, guide and guard us, so that through the endurance and comfort of the scripture we will have hope Romans 15: 4.
Lord’s comfort brings joy: When you are burdened with worries, God will comfort and make you secure as long as you endure because He will not forget to fulfill His word, ”I will not leave you nor forsake you in your life” Hebrews 13: 5. Therefore when you are worried and upset or when anxiety was great within you, His comforts will delight your soul, renew your hope and give you joy Psalm 94: 19.
Do not fear to suffer: Everyone who wants/desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution 2 Timothy 3: 12. But it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than to suffer for doing evil/wrong 1 Peter 3: 17. So, do not fear the discomfort you are about to suffer, but endure and remain faithful until death; then you will be given a crown of life Revelation 2: 10.
God’s Faithfulness: No temptation or discomfort will come your way except such that is common to human beings, but God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will also show you a way out so that you can endure it 1 Corinthians 10: 13. Since He has provided an escape route to get out of your discomfort, please endure so that you will be comforted.
Anyone who endures temptation is blessed: Blessed is the person who is steadfast under discomfort and perseveres when tempted, after passing the test such person will receive Crown of Life James 1: 12. If you want to be blessed and receive Crown of Life, then patiently endure discomfort and temptation.
Submit totally to God: You need to submit totally to the Lord who shall empower you spiritually to resist the devil in manners that will make him to flee from you James 4: 7. Endure your discomfort and stand against the devil, then he will depart from you.
Prayers During Afflictive Period
There are many prayers that can be found in the Bible which you can use to petition the Lord during your discomfort period.
Blessed are those who comfort others: As previously discussed, that we need to comfort others in order to be comforted by the Lord. Pray to the Lord and tell Him that you have considered other people. Therefore He needs to bless, deliver you in time of trouble, preserve and keep you alive according to His words Psalm 41: 1-2. Remind Him to give you prosperity and rescue you from your enemies.
Demand for unfailing love: Make supplication to the Lord to let His loving-kindness and graciousness comfort you during your lifetime according to His word Psalm 119: 76.
Pray to be cherished: Pray to the Lord to always cherish you and to neither cast you off in the time of old age nor forsake you when your strength fails Psalm 71: 9. I pray that you will be a signet ring on the finger of the Lord. He will neither discard you when you are old nor abandon you when your strength is gone.
Ask to be used at old age (Grace): Make supplication to the Lord not to forsake you in old age, till you declare His mighty acts to the next generation and His awesome power to all who are coming after you Psalm 71: 18. Ask for the grace to have good health and stamina to declare/proclaim His strength and mighty miracles to the upcoming generation.
Promise of God
God can be trusted to keep His word as it was written that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away unfulfilled” Matthew 24: 35. Therefore, all the promises about to be mentioned in this study shall come to pass in your life.
Since “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has he said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23: 19. For this reason, He can be trusted to keep His promises in your life.
The afflicted shall be comforted: “O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires says the Lord Isaiah 54: 11.
Enemy will never prevail: The enemies and troubles will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you “says the Lord, to deliver you” Jeremiah 1: 19.
Satan will be crushed: God of peace will crush Satan and your affliction under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with you forever. Amen Romans 16: 20.
You will be given rest: Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest from your troubles/afflictions Matthew 11: 28.
Lifetime favour and joy: The anger of the Lord lasts only a moment but His favour lasts a lifetime! Your weeping may last through the night but joy comes with the new day (morning) Psalm 30: 5.
You will eat the best of the land: If you are willing and obedient to the commandments of the Lord, you shall eat the good of the land that the Lord has given you Isaiah 1: 19.
Sound of rejoicing and victory shall fill your home: The right hand of the Lord will perform glorious things that will make the voice of rejoicing and salvation to dominate your home Psalm 118: 15.
You will never lack again: Lack and scarcity will be eradicated permanently from your life because “the young lions lack and suffer hunger; but you who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing Psalm 34: 10.
It shall be well with you: The godly people will enjoy the rich reward they have earned and it will be well with them throughout their lifetime. The Bible says “tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings” Isaiah 3: 10.
Goodness and mercy will surround you: Surely goodness, mercy and the unfailing love of the Lord shall following you, all the days of your life; and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever Psalm 23: 6.
Finally I want us to have the assurance that whatever that is happening in our lives will work together for the good of our existence Romans 8: 28.
The Seal: Isaiah 25: 8 He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people, He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken.