The Lesson of Sharing

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Sharing what we have does not come naturally to humans. Watch any twoyear old and it becomes obvious that the two-year old believes he or she is the only one in the world and everything belongs to him or her.

We must be taught to share. God wants us to share. God gives us many things to share and He gives us opportunities to share. The apostle Paul wrote; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” — (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Have you asked ever asked, ‘Why me God?’ God does allow us to go through difficult circumstances such as the death of a loved one, sickness, divorce, bankruptcy or many others. While someone is living through one or more of these issues, have you ever tried to offer words of encouragement? Sometimes words are awkward, sometimes the best thing is simply one’s presence.

Notice what the apostle wrote, “…God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Giving comfort to others in their time of need or “affliction” is natural, especially after one has experienced similar affliction. Sharing our faith, hope and experiences is exactly what God wants us to do and he gives us opportunities to share. Are you sharing?

I believe God heals people, miraculously or through medicine and doctors.

I believe God answers our prayers and many times not in the ways we think of.

I believe God allows trials, tribulations, difficulties, sickness and tribulations for several reasons.

His glory, our strengthening and to benefit others are just a few.

I have had many people ask me, “Why has God allowed this to happen to me?” Or, “God could have prevented this, why didn’t He?” These and other similar questions are natural, especially coming form one who is hurting and suffering.

Some choose to believe that God punishes His creation through difficulties but I choose to believe that through our difficulties God is calling to us, reaching for us and desires for us to turn our attention from the problem to the answer — Him.

Because of Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey God command to not to eat of the two forbidden trees’, sin was into all humanity.

We all live in a sin sick world, our hearts are sinful, we are each sinful.

Because one man, by his action brought sin and death into the world then by because of what one man did on the Cross, the penalty for all sin has been paid. Sin has the penalty of death. Physical and spiritual death. The physical death is the death of the body. Spiritual death is the eternal separation of one’s body, soul and spirit from God, His son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This is the second death — (Revelation 2:11; 20:6, 14,15; 21:8).

When one chooses to believe in Jesus Christ and confess with their mouth and believe in their heart (Romans 10:9-10) that person shall be saved from the penalty of sin — death.

Because one is now saved, one begins to live his or her life for Christ. The old things – begin to pass away and a new life begins to take shape. Revenge gives way to forgiveness. Regret gives birth to grace. One begins to live his or her life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and not for himself or herself.

Because one is saved does not mean one is perfect, Christians are not perfect, in fact most struggle to grow in their faith. Because one is saved does not mean one will not suffer. Indeed, I have found that those who are saved endure even greater difficulties. These difficulties are not punishments from God, they are opportunities for one to show others they have the power and life of Jesus and His Holy Spirit living in their heart, mind and soul.

Because of this new life, one begins to take on a new perspective about difficulties — they are now opportunities for God to work His will in one’s life.

I believe; “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever — (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Your difficulties are opportunities for God to work His will for your benefit and for His glory. Look to Him for strength, joy and comfort. God knows you.

God loves you. Are you sharing your faith? Are you looking for someone else to encourage? Look for ways to take your experiences to strengthen someone else.

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.