I thought it was interesting that you spoke of making sure that we find comfort in God BEFORE things turn pear-shaped in our lives. 

That’s the beauty of living in a country of hospitals, healthy food, bulk billing, psychiatrists, education and sanitation; we can live fairly comfortably for large periods of time. 

Originally I thought we should be thanking God for this (and yes we still should be), but as a Christian who has recently gone through some struggles of my own, and through these drawn closer to God, sometimes perhaps we should be brave enough to pray that God might test us with some suffering, so that we might call on the comfort that we can know he brings.

Not quite sure how that fits theologically… and not quite sure if I’m brave just yet…

Thanks for the blog.

Your post is very timely, Lionel.  May I add this observation:
If we seek comfort in the transient things of this world then we will offer foolish counsel to those who are suffering or who may lose what they value in the future.

I’ve known Christians who have recommended overseas travel as a remedy to someone who has a broken heart, or a difficult family life, and I’ve known Christians to urge other Christians to pursue excellence in their career even if that means they have far less time for serving God’s people.  Then an economic downturn hits and the careerist loses his or her job. 

Let’s be sure we all heed Lionel’s exhortation, especially those of us who are Christian leaders.

Lionel, thanks very much for that reminder.  I’m now living in South Korea with my wife and daughter, going through a very rough time, and keep looking to the things of the flesh to satisfy me. I needed to read your post, to be rebuked…  I almost wept when I read it!  Cheers.