Difficulties Are Proof Contexts
We need to experience weakness and difficult situations to appreciate and receive God's comfort.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Comfort
- Comfort is not an either-or thing
- We need to experience weakness to appreciate comfort
Key Quotes
“It is the sick who need the physician, the thirsty who need water.” — Elisabeth Elliot
“We have plenty of 'proof texts'--but in order to experience their truth we have to be placed in 'proof contexts.'” — Elisabeth Elliot
Application Points
- Recognize that your weaknesses and difficulties are opportunities for God to show you His comfort and strength.
- Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and acknowledge your needs, for it is in those moments that God can show Himself strong.
- Seek to understand the realities of God's presence in your life by being placed in 'proof contexts'.