God of All Comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Comfort, comfort, comfort. This word is emphasized for a reason. I am always striving for comfortability. I want to be financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually comfortable. I don’t want to be stressed or disturbed or worried about anything. How about you? This is the way that I think. I was lovingly reminded today by the word of God that comfort does not come from balance in my life. He is the God of all comfort. Paul repeatedly used this word and although is sounds silly to say so many times in one sentence, I believe he is emphasizing this word for a reason. We can’t comfort others if we ourselves are not comforted, but in order to feel comforted, we need to look to the Father. He provides us with the tools that are needed in order for us to successfully serve others. How do we receive this?

2 Corinthians 1: 5-6 "For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer."

To simplify, we receive comfort through suffering. Ew. Sounds uncomfortable right? That was my immediate reaction. But when I prayed for clarity and understanding of this message, it became beautiful to me. We share in Christ’s sufferings. He ultimately took the beating and died a death that we deserve which we cannot truly feel. Praise God. However, sometimes life can really beat us up. I am not sure what it is specifically that you are going through, but I know it hurts. And Jesus knows too. When we are patient through the trials we face, He will comfort us.

2 Corinthians 1:7 "Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

Here is his word. We will suffer, but we will be comforted. There are two words that stood out to me in this last verse.
1. Share. You are not alone. Please remember that.
2. Unshaken. How strong and beautiful is this word and the way that Paul uses it here. “Our hope for you is unshaken.” He is confident because he knows that God will always show up and never fail.

I hope you feel as encouraged as I do today by the word of God. When we get into His word, we are always reminded of His love for us. He provides us with family. We pray for each other, love each other and comfort each other because He is our ultimate source of all things.

Thank you Jesus.