"For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:5
God doesn’t always answer our “Why?” questions. Why do kids get cancer? Why are innocent people killed by stray bullets? Why are entire villages swept away by rising flood waters? We don’t know, and we probably never WILL know … at least not this side of heaven.
But in 2 Corinthians 1, God’s Word brings us encouragement and hope by teaching us that God uses our suffering for our good and His glory. In verse 3, Paul describes our God as “the God of all comfort.” But we need to understand that God's comfort is much more than warm sympathy. It's life-changing ... both for us and for those around us.
The Greek word for “comfort” in this passage is “paraklesis,” and it is used 10 times in verses 3-7. “Paraklesis” carries the idea of bringing help, consolation and comfort. in John 14, Jesus uses the verb form of this word, “parakaleo,” as a name for the Holy Spirit – and the Holy Spirit IS our Comforter. When Christians are grieving, He brings us consolation. And when we are suffering, He brings us comfort. He doesn’t necessarily take the pain away, but He holds our hand through the pain and speaks words of encouragement and hope into our hearts.
In this passage, we learn 3 ways that the God of all comfort uses your suffering for YOUR good and HIS glory:
#1: Suffering prepares you to comfort others (vs. 4-7). If you look past your present hardships, you can focus on how you will be able to help others down the road. This will bring you hope. By God’s grace, as you endure your hardships now, God will equip you to bring comfort later to those who are undergoing the same kind of suffering. The comfort that God gives you when you suffer isn’t intended to end with you. God gives you comfort so that you can pass it on to others.
#2: Suffering protects you from the sin of self-reliance (vs 8-9). Stop fighting your pain and hardships alone! Take hold of God’s hand, and walk through your hardships with Him. This will increase your faith. As Paul puts it in verse 9: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” You might think you’re strong enough to do anything you put your mind to. I’m sorry, but you can’t! But God can. So, stop trusting in yourself. Start trusting in God.
#3: Suffering provides you with new opportunities to thank God (vs. 10-11). So many good things happen when you and I suffer for Jesus. When we’re going through it, we ask other Christians to pray for us. And when Christians start praying – REALLY praying – it’s good for them, it’s good for us and it brings glory to God. Later, after we’re delivered from our hardships, we have a brand new reason to thank God.
Chances are, God won’t answer all your “Why?” questions in this life. But His comfort during times of suffering will increase your hope, faith and peace, which is SO purposeful. So, I can say confidently: If you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, the God of all comfort guarantees that ALL your suffering for Christ is totally meaningful.
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