DIFFERENT BUT SIMILAR

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Meditation verse:

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Several years ago, I attended an all-women’s career development program at the Harvard Business School in Boston. Seated in a hall were about forty women of different Nationalities in different countries and continents. We were asked to introduce ourselves and share our life’s journeys.

As I listened to speaker after speaker tell their story, I marveled at how different we looked but how similar our experiences were. The themes emerging from our stories were alike: “empty nest experience”, “in need of life partner”, “in need of a fulfilling career”, “feeling stuck” “no children”, financial constraints”, “marital issues” and the list went on. We all drew solace and comfort from the knowledge that we were not alone in our individual struggles. Whatever we were dealing with, someone had already dealt with or was still dealing with. The knowledge that as different as we looked, we were actually very similar was really empowering.

As I ponder on this, I am reminded of the scripture that says God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort wherein we have been comforted (2 Corinthians 1:4). Our life experiences are hardly for our own purpose. Your mess is your message to the world. Someone is eagerly waiting to hear your story so that they can be healed, encouraged, inspired, and comforted.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do not give in to self-pity. Turn your mess into your message for healing the world and making it a better place.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.