God's comfort is at hand in every type of trouble.2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
The apostle Paul began his second letter to the church in Corinth just as he did his other letters, with a brief introduction that leads straight into thanksgiving. Paul's cause for thanks, however, sets this letter apart. You can only be thankful for comfort if you've known the pain of suffering. Paul certainly did, and so did his Corinthian audience. So does every individual who reads these words today.
Though levels of personal suffering differ, pain and heartache are universal. Yet amid that sobering truth, Paul gave reason for praise. God's comfort is at hand in every type of trouble. The original meaning of the old fashioned sounding word tribulation covers a lot of ground. It can mean "distress," "affliction," "persecution," or simply "great misery." God's comfort fits any and every situation perfectly.
Selah people' and friends through Paul, God providedd even more good news: there is a positive, productive side to suffering. As God comforts you, you learn how to better comfort others. This is different from simply being sympathetic toward people and their problems. The Greek word for comfort implies action. It means "to come alongside and help." God actively comes alongside you with strength, encouragement, hope, and healing, and you gain the ability to do the same for others. When you are struggling with difficulty in your life, remember to reach out to God and then to others. God provides comfort to help you become a comforter like him.
"When you're facing tough times, follow Paul's example. Praise God for the comfort he's already promised, and then ask him to help you use your own experience to bring comfort to someone else."
Your pastor,Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com/
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