Fragrance of Christ

Praise the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, as through Christ our comfort also overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in your endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you also share in the comfort.

For we don't want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed- beyond our strength- so that we even despaired of life. Indeed, we had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again while you join in helping us with your prayers. 2 Cor 1:3-10

In times of suffering Christ has to be all, He is good. He comforts us when no one else can. I have had times of feeling as if a steam roller has driven over me, I am squashed completely. It is at these times I remember the squashing of the grapes. Grapes are squashed to yield sustenance. As a Christian we are crushed to yield fragrance, the fragrance of Christ.

If all that comes out, under crushing, is a squeezing pig, I am back to the drawing board. Only fragrance will suffice. Fragrance sustains others, minister, speaks.

Christ was crushed and bruised and yielded his life blood, which was salvation for all. When I am crushed I must yield fragrance for all.

It is now Christmas, some will celebrate, others will suffer. In suffering find ministry, allow the fragrance of Christ to minister to the lost. Amen!