2 Corinthians 1:3,4 - Comfort in Jesus!

2Co.1:3,4; Comfort in Jesus!

God who gives every possible encouragement; he supports us in
every hardship, so that we are able to come to the support of others,
in every hardship of theirs because of the encouragement that we
ourselves receive from God. 2 Cor 1:3, 4 (NJB)

These words bring great encouragement to those who are
suffering.  We know from these verses that God cares when we hurt and He
responds to it by comforting us.  We Christians sometimes wonder why God
allows us to suffer, but the Scriptures don't leave us to wonder on our
own.  Three reasons for suffering are given in verses 5-11:  First,
so that we can comfort others that are suffering with the comfort
we ourselves have received from God;  second, so that we will not
rely on ourselves, but rather trust God; and third, so that many will
give thanks as they see God answer the prayers for relief.  Are you
suffering today?  Ask God to bring comfort to your heart instead of trying
to bear it alone.  Do you know someone who is struggling?  Share
with them how God has comforted you in your time of need and then
pray for them.  You will be able to rejoice when you hear how God
answered your prayers! [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]

Someone once said to a sufferer, "Suffering colours life,
doesn't it?" The sufferer replied, "Yes, but I propose to choose the
colours" As the silver comes purer from the fire, so the Christian can
emerge finer and stronger from hard days. The Christian is the athlete
of God whose spiritual muscles become stronger from the discipline
of difficulties. [Barclay Commentary]

By themselves, suffering and tribulation have no power to make
men Christ-like. In fact, they make many men morose and bitter. But
God sanctifies tribulation, and those who find in Him grace and
strength to endure have solved one of the great problems of life. [SDA
Commentary]

Many think that when God comforts us, our hardships should go
away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only to be
relieved of pain and not out of love for him.  We must understand that
comfort can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to
deal with our hardships.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God
gives us (1:5).  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort
you as he can.  Remember that every trial you endure will later
become an opportunity to minister to other people suffering similar
hardships.  [Life Application SB]