II Corinthians 1:3-5: “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”
One of the major truths that we must learn is that trials and tribulations do not end when we become a Christ-follower. Our troubles will not magically disappear, and I will not have God’s charge card or be given God’s bank account. They are myths and tools used by slick preachers that want you to invest in “sowing seeds”. The prosperity that God want us to have must start within side of us. You are not promised prosperity in this world. God more often then not will give us what we need and not what we want. How can God grow you into a mature disciple if everything will be easy for you? Growth takes trials.
Paul in his continuation of his letter to the Corinthian Church was telling his audience that we would get comfort when we do go through trials and troubles. This help comes from God. It reminds us of a scripture from the psalms, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills; From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2. The comfort is from God so that we will not have to go through trials alone. Yes, we must go through trials. However, God will never leave us alone. In fact, Paul tells us it is so much better when we comfort each other.
God comforts us so that we may comfort others. Trials are a necessary thing in our lives. It is an avenue for growth. They are also a way that I can reach out to others that are hurting and minister to them. Trials will not go away when we give our hearts to Jesus. However, I will now have a source of comfort that I did not have in the past.
Application – Trials and sufferings are a natural aspect of a Christ-followers life.
Challenge – Receive growth and training as you go through trials, and comfort those who are suffering with trials of their own.
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