Paul was deeply concerned about the church in Corinth. The church was being infiltrated by those who opposed Paul and tried to get the Corinthians to think of him badly, that he was wrong, and possibly corrupt. Paul was traveling through Macedonia, which is where he planted churches in Philippi and Thessalonica. But his heart was on Corinth. But when the fears became too real, God sent Titus from Corinth,with the announcement that the church was doing well, and were following the preaching of Paul, and not those who opposed him. Here is how Paul describes his feelings at the time: “In fact, when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way; conflicts on the outside, fears inside. But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he received from you. He told us about your deep longings, your sorrow, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 Have you ever felt fear that your life as a believer in Christ was all in vain? Have you had fears that no one would take you seriously? Even though I think we all have those times, I would ask that you think of the answers to prayer that God provided you, the comfort that you needed for such a time as what you were going through. If you are going through those kinds of times right now, please don’t despair, for God will send an encourager to let you know that your life, your testimony, your actions, are not in vain. Nothing will return void that you place out there for the cause of Christ. You have an anointing from the Lord that although might bring some fears, will also bring blessings and comfort. At the very beginning of this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes: “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 1:3-4 We all have gone through or will go through times of fear, times of uncertainty, when even our faith might be shaken, if that were possible. But during those times, look up, look around you, for our Lord will bring a comfort to you through someone or something. From Pastor Andy
Barnabas Man 