“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. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:5-7
This verse speaks clearly for itself. What’s even better is that is speaks to us in all seasons of life. In our affliction, in our lowest moments, we have the blessing of comfort from God himself, the God of all comfort. In our suffering, we have the peace of mind in knowing that by sharing in the suffering of Christ, we will share in his comfort too. And when those around us are suffering, we can offer hope.
You might wonder, what is the hope, what is the comfort? Sometimes in affliction, we don’t feel that comfort. Sometimes in hardship, we don’t see that hope. Thankfully, that’s not a problem with our God, it’s a problem with our vision. We find an example of that in Jesus Christ upon his crucifixion as it says in Hebrews 12:2, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” This is exactly the hope and comfort that we share abundantly with Christ during our suffering. There is likely no greater suffering than that which Jesus endured. It was torture. It was unthinkable shame. Yet, He had comfort and peace through it all. How? Because His eyes were set on what was to come. For the glory that he could see waiting on the other side, He endured the cross. Jesus knew what was waiting for Him, He knew the reward for the price he was paying. He was able to endure his suffering because He knew that not only would he soon return to glory in heaven with God, but that by his death, so also would we.
As you face your daily struggles, be they small or large, set your eyes on the glory that awaits you. Set your eyes on eternity. Romans 8:18 says, “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Nothing in this life can compare with the glory that awaits us. God wants us to be comforted in that knowledge. Not only that, but he wants us to share that knowledge. We have the secret to hope, the key to all comfort. Why would we keep it a secret? How much must we despise someone to refuse to share this wonderful news?
Jesus endured the suffering of the cross so that all may know and believe in Him, including you, but certainly not limited to you. Let us always be ready and eager to share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Help me to focus my vision on you. Help me to endure any present sufferings by the knowledge of my salvation. Comfort me in my distress, and empower me to share that comfort with those around me.
In Jesus Holy Name,
Amen.
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