So, you think you have it bad? Paul writes about difficulty and trials in the New Testament and puts suffering into perspective. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul comforts those who are in difficulty and trials by off-setting the ever-present reality of suffering with the super-natural comfort of the Father.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
In these texts I want you to simply count how many times the concept of suffering appears as opposed to how many times mercy appears. Suffering is defined with words like tribulation, trouble, and affliction. These words occur about 6 times in this text. Almost overwhelming isn't it? But, look at the way Paul counters the existence of suffering. He uses words such as mercy, comfort, consolation, salvation, hope, and steadfast. These words occur about 15 times. I think there is an emphasis we are to take notice of.
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."
Watching this video this week reminded of the suffering that is surrounding mankind. But, as the short video comes to an end, I want you to see that suffering will also. And then you can count on the super-natural presence of the Father to bring consolation. After watching this video, check out our text again and know that the Father way more focused upon comforting you than allowing suffering in your life.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
In these texts I want you to simply count how many times the concept of suffering appears as opposed to how many times mercy appears. Suffering is defined with words like tribulation, trouble, and affliction. These words occur about 6 times in this text. Almost overwhelming isn't it? But, look at the way Paul counters the existence of suffering. He uses words such as mercy, comfort, consolation, salvation, hope, and steadfast. These words occur about 15 times. I think there is an emphasis we are to take notice of.
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."
Watching this video this week reminded of the suffering that is surrounding mankind. But, as the short video comes to an end, I want you to see that suffering will also. And then you can count on the super-natural presence of the Father to bring consolation. After watching this video, check out our text again and know that the Father way more focused upon comforting you than allowing suffering in your life.
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