Happy Thursday! Have you ever had one of those days where you needed to be comforted? Maybe it was a difficult day or maybe you were experiencing some type of opposition or you were simply missing the love of a loved one, whatever it was or is don’t ever forget that God is the ultimate comforter. Join me today as we continue reading 2 Corinthians chapter one where Paul discusses the source of comfort.

“³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵ For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶ Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. ⁷ We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7NLT

Let’s recap the characteristics of God that Paul names:

• God is our merciful Father.
• The source of all comfort.
• He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

Paul is familiar with the Comforter because Paul had endure suffering throughout his ministry. Paul endured troubles from false prophets, non-believers and the government. Paul did not have an easy pastoral life, he was the example of God’s servant serving a purpose beyond himself. Paul also knew the intensity of the spiritual walk in that day, therefore Paul encouraged believers (the Corinthian church and Holy people in Greece) to comforter one another in trials and hardships – no one was exempt.

Sisters and brothers, there will be times when we must endure hardships and troubles. Sometimes they will be self-inflicted and other times situations will fall into our laps, but it is important for us to stand united in Christ Jesus. It’s critical to recognize the importance of comforting others even in times when we need to be comforted ourselves. God tends to use those moments not only to strengthen our faith, but to encourage others in theirs.

• Who do you need to comfort today? ________
• Do you need comforting today? ____________

Father God, our Lord and comforter you are great in all the earth. Lord, there is no one more greater than you. Lord, you are able to calm the storms in our hearts and plant trustworthy people along our path to share our tears with. Lord, you know us so well. Lord, make us more like you in the way that we love one another and the church. Lord, equip us with understanding and discernment so that we will make decisions that are aligned with your will. Lord, we want to share the gospel message with others so teach us what to say, how to say it and when. Lord, as we reach out to comfort others replenish our souls. Teach us healthy boundaries in these areas, but don’t let us operate in fear. Help us to stand in faith through our trials so that we can be a blessing to your people, and a light in the world. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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