2 Corinthians 1:3,4 - Comfort in Jesus!

2Co.1:3,4; Comfort in Jesus!

God who gives every possible encouragement; he supports us in 
every hardship, so that we are able to come to the support of others, 
in every hardship of theirs because of the encouragement that we 
ourselves receive from God. 2 Cor 1:3, 4 (NJB) 

These words bring great encouragement to those who are 
suffering.  We know from these verses that God cares when we hurt and He 
responds to it by comforting us.  We Christians sometimes wonder why God 
allows us to suffer, but the Scriptures don't leave us to wonder on our 
own.  Three reasons for suffering are given in verses 5-11:  First, 
so that we can comfort others that are suffering with the comfort 
we ourselves have received from God;  second, so that we will not 
rely on ourselves, but rather trust God; and third, so that many will 
give thanks as they see God answer the prayers for relief.  Are you 
suffering today?  Ask God to bring comfort to your heart instead of trying 
to bear it alone.  Do you know someone who is struggling?  Share 
with them how God has comforted you in your time of need and then 
pray for them.  You will be able to rejoice when you hear how God 
answered your prayers! [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom] 

Someone once said to a sufferer, "Suffering colours life, 
doesn't it?" The sufferer replied, "Yes, but I propose to choose the 
colours" As the silver comes purer from the fire, so the Christian can 
emerge finer and stronger from hard days. The Christian is the athlete 
of God whose spiritual muscles become stronger from the discipline 
of difficulties. [Barclay Commentary] 

By themselves, suffering and tribulation have no power to make 
men Christ-like. In fact, they make many men morose and bitter. But 
God sanctifies tribulation, and those who find in Him grace and 
strength to endure have solved one of the great problems of life. [SDA 
Commentary] 

Many think that when God comforts us, our hardships should go 
away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only to be 
relieved of pain and not out of love for him.  We must understand that 
comfort can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to 
deal with our hardships.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God 
gives us (1:5).  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort 
you as he can.  Remember that every trial you endure will later 
become an opportunity to minister to other people suffering similar 
hardships.  [Life Application SB]