When we read the words of this verse, it doesn’t say God sends trouble into our lives so that we can learn to comfort others. It says that God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others.
Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
One of my friends fought breast cancer—and won. Cancer free for many years, now she volunteers in a breast cancer clinic, counseling and encouraging patients who are battling the disease.
One of my friends fought breast cancer and lost. She is with Jesus now. In the last months of her life here on earth, her courage and concern for others testified mightily to the peace Christ gives.
Given the choice, most of us would rather avoid cancer altogether. Most of us also prefer to sidestep doctors and debt, fiascoes and fatigue, insomnia and inflation. I’m not wild about mice either!
But God has not promised us a trouble-free life. In fact, the furnace of difficulty can prepare us in a unique way for service. Consider these words of the apostle Paul.
Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
The verse includes two beautiful names for God – “the God of compassion” and “the God of all comfort.” How reassuring!
This verse does not urge us to pony up comfort for others from inside ourselves. Instead, it points us to the compassionate Christ as the source of the comfort that will bless others who suffer.
God promises to work in every situation for the good of those who love him. One way he does that is by working through us to comfort others. Both of my friends found this true, not despite cancer, but because of it. When have you seen our Savior do something similar in your own life?
God's Promises to a Woman's Heart