Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Before we dive into the meaning of the comfort provided in today’s passage, don’t “speed read” past the fact that God comforts us in all our troubles. This, of course, indicates that trouble is simply a part of living as broken people in a broken world with other broken people. But we never face those troubles alone. God is always with us (Hebrews 13:5), and He has promised to provide cosmic comfort to sustain us through every difficulty.
Here are three important things to remember about this comfort: First, God is the God of all comfort. There is no other source of comfort like God, and we must always look to Him for the comfort we need during times of trouble, trial, and testing. As Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Our source of comfort and restoration is always God.
Second, God comforts us in all our troubles, both great and small. We never face a challenge alone. We must remember that nothing happens to us that first doesn’t pass through His nail-scarred hands. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). And He offers His gracious invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Third, today’s passage tells us that the comfort God gives us is to be passed on to others who are experiencing troubles. There will be times in this life when we go through challenges so that God can use us to minister in the lives of others who are going struggling to bear up under similar challenges. We are to be conduits of God’s comfort to others.
How is it with you these days? Where do you look in times of trouble? Remember, the greater the challenge, the greater the cosmic comfort. God will not leave us wanting when it comes to the comfort we need to rise above every wave of challenge that washes over us. Let that truth set you free to praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He who is the God of all comfort.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 