Trials and Tribulations

2 Corinthians 1

​Trials and tribulations this side of eternity are nothing new. Like the difficulties we face today, sin and struggle was very evident in the Corinthian church; so much so, Paul wrote a second letter to comfort them and express his own pain from his journey.

God does not shelter His people from trials, not even gifted apostles who are doing His will. “Be kind,” said John Watson, “for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
While trying to help the church, Paul experienced suffering so intense that he was almost ready to give up.

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 (ESV)

Despite Paul’s frustration with this church and their sinful and troubling behavior, he resonated with their need for comfort.

He kicked off 2 Corinthians stating that God is the “God of all comfort,” and He will give you the grace you need when you need it. As you have probably discovered in your spiritual journey, sufferings are not accidents; they are divine appointments, and your Father is in complete control.

Warren Wiersbe reiterates Paul’s words in his commentary, “You will find comfort in praying, in claiming the promises of the Word, and in having deeper fellowship with the Lord.”
Christians not only need comfort, know God is comfort, and He issues comfort; but, Christians are to share comfort. Wiersbe goes on to remind us that, “God’s comfort is not given; it is loaned, and you are expected to pass it on to others.”

The pain you experience now will help you encourage others in their trials. When you suffer, avoid self-pity, for self-pity will make you a reservoir instead of a channel. If you fail to share God’s comfort with others, your experience in the “furnace or refinery” will be wasted; and it is a tragic thing to waste your sufferings.

Do you need comfort right now? Are you experiencing difficulties that are driving you to give up? Do you know that God is the God of comfort and He seeks to meet you where you are and walk with you in your valley experience?

What is He teaching you though this tough time? Is there unrepentant sin in your life? What character adjustment is God revealing to you that needs to take place? Have you ever thought your trial is for you to share with someone else experiencing a similar struggle or painful journey?

Today, know that each member of the Trinity is a Comforter:
• Father (Isa. 49:13)
• Son (Isa. 61:2; John 14:1; 2 Thess. 2:16)
• Holy Spirit (the “Counselor”—John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7)

Fellowship with God is the remedy for the suffering of all who, like David, have looked for comforters but found none around him or in this world. (Ps. 69:20). (Harold Wilmington-Bible Handbook)
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Real peace, comfort and hope is found only in our sovereign God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever present. Lean into His Spirit today and experience comfort among the trouble and pain of this life in this sin cursed world.

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