Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:4, NKJV- “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
“Who comforts us” in 2 Corinthians 1:4 is not a question. Paul knew and many of us have found the only source of true comfort. Deep abiding peace, grace, and comfort are only found in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul was first praising God as the God of all comfort. Secondly, Paul was offering the comfort, grace, and peace he had found to the Corinthians. We do not all have the same discomforts, but we do all have the same access to the God of all comfort.
I do believe this is the only reason I continue to write. I want more than anything else to share this comfort, grace, and peace I have found. I know I only found my comfort in God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. In fact, over the past thirteen years I have written about 2 Corinthians 1:4 numerous times as I am hoping and praying to give away the comfort, I have found so that others too will find and give away God’s comfort.
Out of my praise and thanksgiving to God and His Son Jesus Christ who meet me in my discomforts, I am offering to others what I have been given. Each of us can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. God does meet us in our discomforts, all of them.
Jesus knew abundant suffering and we can share in His sufferings so we can know His abundant comfort. None of us desire discomfort, Jesus even asked that this cup be taken from Him. However, out of Jesus’ sufferings we received grace. Out of our sufferings and comfort we can offer comfort, grace, and peace.
Paul forces us to consider whether we are enduring our sufferings for the benefit of others. As we find comfort, we can offer the peace of our comfort to others. In 2 Corinthians 1:7 Paul also writes because of what he knew to be true. We can also give away what we know to be true. I know God has given me my comfort and I am writing to you or whoever is in discomfort today, that I know God is the only source of all comfort.
Just a Paul promises in 2 Corinthians 1:9, our troubles will take us beyond what we can handle so we are forced to find the power of God. Once we have found this power all we want to do is share it. If what you are facing today is beyond you look to God and He will provide comfort and a power, you never knew was possible. You are not alone.
We can trust and hope in God as Paul promises in 2 Corinthians 1:10 that the God who has delivered us will continue to deliver us. We can continue to lift each other up in prayer and the knowledge that God is our comforter. We can accept that we may be enduring our sufferings so that others too may come to know God’s comfort. Our sufferings may not be about us but for salvation and hopes for others. We have come to know that worldly wisdom and understanding does not offer the grace of God.
Will you give away the comfort and grace you have been given?
Today’s Prayer: Almighty Father in heaven, I am praising You for the comfort and grace You have given me. Thank You Jesus Christ for suffering for me so that I may know grace and comfort. Help me LORD to share Your comfort and grace. I am praying that all others come to know the hope, grace, and peace that You give. I am trusting You in all my discomforts to continue to be the God of all comforts. In Your name I am praying for this world to know Your grace and comfort. Amen.
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