2 Corinthians 1:3–11; 4; 6:1–10; 11:21–33; 12:1–10
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was written after a time of great persecution when Paul and Timothy “despaired even of life.” Even so they were able to avoid despair despite being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down, because they were comforted in Christ. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ remain our best sources for comfort, because they won't fail us; they have not hidden agenda; they do not desire to destroy us.
“When we take Jesus’ yoke upon us, this admits us eventually to what Paul called the ‘fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings’ (Philippians 3:10). Whether illness or aloneness, injustice or rejection, … our comparatively small-scale sufferings, if we are meek, will sink into the very marrow of the soul. We then better appreciate not only Jesus’ sufferings for us, but also His matchless character, moving us to greater adoration and even emulation. Alma revealed that Jesus knows how to succor us in the midst of our griefs and sicknesses precisely because Jesus has already borne our griefs and sicknesses (see Alma 7:11–12). He knows them firsthand; thus His empathy is earned. Of course, we do not comprehend it fully any more than we understand how He bore all mortal sins, but His Atonement remains the rescuing and reassuring reality” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1997, 12).
Wow...I can't express how I need this at this time. With the afflicting thorn in my side, I need Jesus succor. During this adversity, there have been times, when I wanted to give in to despair. Because of the comfort and grace I receive, I am driven to help and pray for others to receive the same comfort Paul and I have received from God. Sometimes it is hard to remember my tribulations are small and last but a moment. If they are endured with charity towards myself and others with an eternal perspective, they will be for my good.
Maybe like Paul, God gave me this thorn, these infirmities to keep me humble, guide me to receive strength from Jesus, and require me to increase my faith in Him. Like Paul “when I am weak, then am I strong.”
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.