======================================================================== DIFFICULTIES ARE PROOF CONTEXTS by Elisabeth Elliot ======================================================================== Summary: We need to experience weakness and difficult situations to appreciate and receive God's comfort. Topics: "Suffering And Comfort", "Trials And Faith" Scripture References: Genesis 39:20, Psalm 34:17, Daniel 3:25, Daniel 6:22, 2 Corinthians 12:9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the intertwined nature of loneliness, sadness, and comfort in the Christian journey, highlighting that experiencing moments of despair allows us to fully appreciate the comfort and presence of the Lord. She draws parallels to biblical figures like Joseph, Daniel, and his friends, showcasing how their trials became opportunities for divine intervention and revelation. Elliot underscores the importance of being placed in challenging 'proof contexts' like prisons, lion's dens, and furnaces to truly understand and experience the truths found in Scripture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Repeatedly I am asked variations of this question: Did the Lord comfort you or were you sometimes lonely or sad? It is not an either-or thing. If I had not been lonely and sad at times, how could I have needed, received, or appreciated comfort? It is the sick who need the physician, the thirsty who need water. This is why Paul not only did not deplore his weaknesses, he "gloried" in them, for they provided the very occasions for his appropriating divine help and strength. It was in prison that Joseph knew the presence of the Lord. It was in the lion's den that Daniel's faith was proved. It was in the furnace that Daniel's three friends found themselves accompanied by a fourth. We have plenty of "proof texts"--but in order to experience their truth we have to be placed in "proof contexts." The prison, the lion's den, the furnace are where we are shown the realities, incontestably and forever. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/elisabeth-elliot/difficulties-are-proof-contexts/ ========================================================================