Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 95

April 4;   2 Corinthians 1:4;   150/260(I);   ‘The Same Comfort’

2 Corinthians 1:4 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.

How wonderful this verse is and how it reminds us once again of the great love the Lord has for us.  Notice that the Lord Jesus comforts us in our tribulation.  He is not the cause of the situation that we find ourselves in.  Religion and those who do not know the Word accuse our Lord of bringing adverse challenges upon us.  I believe this verse has at least two significant meanings.  Generally speaking, this verse tells us that the Lord comforts us as we go through tribulation and challenges.  It goes on to teach us that the Lord comforts us in tribulation because he loves us, and also that we can comfort those who are going through tribulation now.  Our testimony on how the love, mercy and power of the Lord comforted us and saw us through the adverse circumstances we faced, gives those facing challenges faith that the Lord will help them and see them through their situation as well.  One of the Holy Spirit’s Names in the Greek is ‘the Comforter.  Specifically, this verse means that the Lord comforted and saw you through a specific challenge that you faced (let’s say drug addiction).  Since you are well aware of the misery a specific challenge presents, you can relate to, comfort and help others who face the same challenge that you did.  Your testimony, that they are not alone and that you have been there and have been comforted and set free by the power of the Lord will greatly help and build the faith of those with the same challenge, that the Lord will set them free as well.  The challenge Jesus helped you overcome can now be the very thing He uses you to help others be free.