And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

When Paul wrote this second letter to the Corinthians he was struggling with some issues surrounding his credibility, so much of what he writes about in the letter relates to himself and the ministry that he had been called to.

He makes it clear that suffering happens to all of us. We are not immune simply because we have accepted Jesus and committed to a life lived in faith although sadly it’s still a common belief today that those who truly love God won’t suffer. In reality Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to be my disciple must take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) so we should expect things to be difficult from time to time.

Paul also asserts that when we suffer for Christ we do so together and that we shouldn’t give up. Walking with Jesus is too important, too valuable to put aside because things have started to get tricky. He teaches the Corinthians that they will share in the same comfort he had received from God that carried him through the trials and tribulations that he endured in life and ministry. There is much to be gained in this for us in that way of thinking.

When you look at your life now and consider the places where things are hard do you find yourself thinking about the trouble you’re facing or are you able to consider how much the rest of your brothers and sisters are enduring? At the end of the day we’re all in this together. We all suffer in some way or another and ultimately, we will all share in the same blessings in the end. As you wrestle with life’s problems why not lift to God in prayer those you know who are also in difficulty. We share in these things together but in Christ Jesus we will all find hope, strength, courage, power to continue and eventually we will know His comfort too.

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Application:

What are you struggling with the most at present? What consumes your thoughts and gnaws at your peace? Give it to Jesus and ask Him for His comfort and peace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You know all our troubles even before we do. Bless us in the unity of Your Spirit to know Your peace and Your comfort in all things. Bless also those we know who are navigating troubled waters of their own. Amen.