Keys to making relationships work part 2.

Whilst reading between chapters 3 and 7 it is easy to forget that Paul’s writing was a digression, a wonderful one at that. Here is where the digression started, in 2 v 13: “I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.” He waited and waited but Titus never showed up. What life was like without the ability to text! He desperately wanted to hear an update on the Church in Corinth especially after his (lost) letter and he was becoming more and more restless. So he decided to catch the ship and hope Titus would turn up eventually. When separated from those he cared about, the great Apostle, who sometimes looked untouchable, certainly incomparable to our lives, experiences anxiety. Titus was not just a co-worker, he was his ‘brother’ in Christ. Sometimes our lives are not just about being obedient to God but being faithful to people who God has led us to have heart connections with.
The digression now ends because Titus finally turns up.
“For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 5-7)
Throughout Paul’s life of ministry he had so many troubles. Harassed from those standing against the gospel message and anxieties over his relationships. He had written to the Corinthians Church a letter that we don’t have but they clearly received. We don’t really know what the letter was about though many have speculated. We do know it was a straight talking letter. So much so Paul was worried about what the response would be like. Would the Church turn their back on him? Could they see he wrote it out of deep love for them? Paul had no rest until he knew these answers.
But God.
Two powerful words that speak to us today. Paul had written quoting many times the God of the Old Testament, the God of the prophets, the God of the nation Israel and this God, is the God of Paul’s day also. God was there with Paul and the team. Two thousand years later, here today, with you and me, ‘But God.’
Slow your day down today because someone may just knock on your door, send you a text or email (if only Paul had these means in his day). There will be a moment today, a word spoken to you, which will be a ‘But God’ moment.
But God … when Titus appeared.
But God … when Titus spoke of the Church’s response to Paul.
But God … when Paul knew that distance didn’t impede their love for Paul.
But God … when Paul’s letter to them had brought them to their senses with regret.
But God … when Paul is told the people he loved were concerned for him also.
But God … when Paul’s fear turned to joy.
Your situation is different to Paul’s. But you may have fears within and harassment on the outside.
God is the lifter of heads. God brings comfort to the downcast. God uses people to do that. He may use you and He may have a ‘Titus’ He will use for you. Today could well be a ‘But God’ day. So open your ears and in your waiting, listen.