HOW DO WE GET THERE?

“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:5) GWT

Jesus warned us that in this world we are bound to face trouble. With the same token, He also gave to us a word of encouragement saying: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) By saying this, He assured us that we may have peace in Him. He provides for us a conquering peace that brings us consolation and comfort in a time of challenge, suffering, or grief.

In this passage of scripture, the apostle Paul refers to the comfort of Christ. This brand of peace comes to aid amid struggles, not to run away and hide from them. It has been said that there is a possibility to evade a multitude of sorrows by the cultivation of an insignificant life. We see in the life of the Savior, His all–absorbing, redemptive purpose was bound to introduce Him also to endless suffering.

When Job was encountering intense suffering, he responded with, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10) This teaches us that even hardship and pain have a place in God’s plan for believers.

There is truth in Paul’s words: “God comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:4) Consider a season of pain in your history. And when you were in search of comfort, whom did you seek out? I suspect it was someone who has walked the path you were on and could understand your suffering; and perhaps one who could share some guidance with you.

When we make God the Lord and Master of our life, we learn to do His will, even in dire circumstances. In such times, God can use us as comforters and burden bearers to those around us. He calls us to experience and reflect His comfort. So how we get there, is by allowing Him to use our pain to bring Him glory.