2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV) Comfort in Suffering
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.
The Bible teaches us that there is comfort in suffering. At first glance, that makes no sense. What comfort could there be in the loss of a friend? But after a closer look, it is revealed that suffering teaches us what we need to comfort others and that comforts us. Also, God does comfort us in our trouble. God never promised a trouble free life if you accept Him. It is just the opposite. Our Lord told us “in this world you will have trouble.” He warned us that it would not be easy. But He teaches that His consolation will abound in us also.
Recently, I lost a dear friend to ALS. This past week, I heard a friend of mine lost his friend to ALS. I don’t think this is a coincidence. I spoke with my friend about this loss and told him I was available to speak with him any time if he needed me. I shared that I was uniquely qualified to speak with him. You see, I had just been through the same loss. I am now able to comfort someone who is going through the same thing I went through only weeks ago. It is like God prepared me for just such a time as this. God does not waste anything. My loss prepared me to help someone else through their loss! Isn’t that amazing?
I must admit that I am still hurting from losing Carmen. He was such a part of my life that the pain is still there and will be for a long time. My Pastor, Don Feuerbach, told me “The cost of loving much is grieving deeply!” That is very true. I am still grieving deeply. However, even in this grief, helping my friend would help us both. I am feeling better today than I did weeks ago. I can see I am walking through the Valley to the light on the other side. I now know there is “the other side”. Like the Bible says, our consolation abounds in Christ. I can help my friend find his way.
Lord, thank you that Your consolation abounds. When we go through suffering, it is overwhelming. Please come to us in our suffering with Your grace, mercy and consolation. You are the God of all mercy. You are the God of all comfort. In Your mercy, walk with us through the valley and bring us to Your consolation. Prepare us to be a comfort to others who suffer as we do. Together, may we endure to Your rest. In Your name we pray. Amen!