2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Praise be to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of compassion and the God of all comfort,
INTRODUCTION
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]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Rain was predicted in the forecast again
today. We'd already had four days of gloom. It was
starting to deeply affect my energy level and
attitude. I was desperate to see the blue of the sky
and feel the warmth of the sun.
Suddenly, the temperature dropped,
changing the moisture into snow - the mystical kind
with white, fluffy flakes that gently blanketed
the earth in a kind of hush. My mood transformed
just as quickly. The child in me came alive, and
pure glee bubbled up. Like a giddy kid, I was
enchanted by the wonder of it all.
In dark days, when I yearn to find and
feel the Son, Jesus shows up. The temperature of
my circumstances may be uncomfortably high, but
just like the same moisture is present in both
rain and snow, the same grace waits for me in
both sorrow and joy. As I shift my perspective, I
see His goodness and grace falling all around,
despite my situation.
Like the child within me is awakened by
an unexpected snowfall, His peace and grace
change my perspective when I trust in Jesus and
wrap myself in His warm blanket of love. Claire
McGarry
Faith Step: Envision yourself wrapped up
in a blanket with Jesus. Record in a journal
the words He speaks to you in your
circumstances. If you know someone who is struggling, try
to be the sun in their gloomy day. Deliver a
meal, send a Thinking of You card, make a phone
call, or send a text to share Jesus's comforting
blanket of love. [Mornings With Jesus 2023
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 - God of All Comfort.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220523-1045.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/