THE COMFORTING HAND OF GOD
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 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. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. —II Corinthians 1:3-7
Christians are not immune from suffering in this fallen world. The fallen world still impacts believers and this is surely seen in the death of the saints. Yet death does not have any more hold on us than it did Jesus. Just as He overcame death so we overcome death because of our trust in Him.
Years ago, before Jeremy our oldest was born, my wife, Elaine had a miscarry. Our hearts were heavy even as we were trusting in the Lord Jesus. We were worshipping at a local church the next Sunday and one particular song so impacted us that we started weeping together. Both of us sat down. We held each other and sobbed. The tears were released comfort given by the gracious touch of God’s hand. We were so comforted by Him.
Why do difficult times come upon those who have trusted Him? Well, there are a variety of reasons. The passage above tells us that “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” What difficulties have you experienced as a follower of Jesus? As you were comforted by God so now that experience, difficult as it may have been, can be part of the ministry God wants to do through you to others to comfort them in their trials. Not only that, but the trial God has comforted us through may be used to bring others to the point of salvation as stated in the above verses.
Your trials and difficulties as a believer have many reasons. Simply put, they mature us to be more able to minister to others. Whatever you may be going through today experience God’s comfort you through it. Then, at some point in the future, may He use that comfort that you experience in your difficulty to comfort others. May it be so!
Dear Father, there is no one like You who can comfort us in trials and then work through us to comfort others. Thank You for how You do work all things for God for those of us who love Jesus. We are grateful.