Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT- “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Why me LORD? Some of us have asked this while going through our troubles. 2 Corinthians, the first chapter, gives us our why.
I have spent the past couple of mornings reading and re-reading Isaiah 51:3. I am overwhelmed at how perfect this verse was for me, and how I did not recognize it seventeen years ago when God set me out on this journey. I had no way of dreaming on that day, where the LORD would be taking me.
Now here I am today, twenty-eight thousand seven-hundred and seventy-nine affirmations, over three thousand blog posts, and three books later and I am just now realizing why I do what I do. I am simply giving away the same comfort that God has given me. In just these two verses, Isaiah 51:3 and 2 Corinthians 1:4, God is encouraging me to continue to give away the joy, gladness, and comfort that He has given me.
I have received the grace and peace Paul wrote of in 2 Corinthians 1:2, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (NLT) God has comforted me with His grace and peace, so I am praising Him as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 1:3, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” (NLT) I never know who may or may not read my writings, but I only seek to praise God, The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and trust that He is providing comfort to someone that I may never know.
In 2 Corinthians 1:5, Paul stated “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (NIV) I was reminded in my prayers this morning of the sufferings of Jesus. I recalled how they had ripped away Jesus’ flesh and thrust a crown of thorns upon His head. I told Jesus I was sorry He had to endure that and thanked Him for suffering for me.
I am thankful Lord for You coming to earth for this very purpose. I am also thankful that You left the Holy Spirit who helps us share Your sacrifice and comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:6 gives us our why. “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.” (NIV) Through our hardships we come to recognize the comfort and salvation of Jesus Christ. We also come to personally know the comfort of God. When we share the comfort and salvation we have received, we help others who are suffering the same things we have experienced with enduring hope and healing.
So if you are reading this, I am praying you find hope that gives you patience and endurance to know that the comfort you will certainly find will be used to comfort others. I also pray blessings upon you as you share the comfort you have received.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father of our Lord Jesus Christ we thank You for the comfort You have given us. We praise Your name and give You glory so others will receive the comfort You have given us. In You, LORD, we offer comfort, grace, and peace so that Your joy and gladness is known. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who suffered for us, we do pray. Amen.
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