“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. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 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. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NIV)
The beloved Apostle understood about experiences of trouble and sorrow. That is why he was so open with his personal experiences. He knew that God had allowed him to pass through circumstances so that he would be able to comfort those with similar experiences.
If the Apostle had been secretive about his doubt and depression, future generations of believers would not have gained the value of his encouragement and steadfast victory.
Our struggles are provided so that we may encourage others in their struggles. We must use our experiences to encourage others to persevere to the end.
By using our experiences to minister to others, we will produce fruit and enjoy personal gratification in ministry. “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” Spiritual gifting and physical abilities are cooperative tools for achieving your purpose. Together, they enable you to be successful at expressing your personality and life experience. “. . . because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”
If you are experiencing trouble and sorrow today, know that I too have experienced trouble and sorrow. It might not be the same as yours but our God is the same and he always gives the victory to those who put their trust in him. Place your trust in Jesus Christ today and watch his amazing grace work for you.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable us to trust you to deliver us out of every trouble. Empower us to share the victory over our struggles with others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his compassion and live in his comfort,