WHAT WE NEED

WHAT WE NEED

READ:
2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of
all comfort. -2 Corinthians 1:3

The heartbreaking stories keep coming.  The friend whose grown daughter has left her husband and kids.  The dads I recently met who lost their teen sons in a car accidents.  The pillar of the church whose retirement years have been marked by a string of bad medical news.  You know the stories.  You may have your own.

Where do we go for help when struggles and pain threaten to shake our faith and steal our last ounce of joy?

Second Corinthians 1:3 may be just the right destination.  It is full of hope, help, and possibilities.

Examine what that verse tells us:  Paul lifts praise to God on two levels (and remember, Paul had more struggles and trouble than most of us could stand).  First, he simply sends praise to God, who is not just our God but the God and Father of Jesus Himself.  Think about the power and the love behind that!

Then he gives us even better news:  Our heavenly Father is the God of mercy and compassion.  He cares for us with an everlasting, gracious love.  And there's more-He is also the God of all comfort.

Need compassion?  Need comfort? Go to God.  He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it out on you in abundance.  He is what we need in times of trouble! - Dave Branon

I must have the Savior with me,
For my faith at best is weak;
He will whisper words of comfort,
That no other voice can speak. - Anon.
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God's whisper of comfort helps
quiet the noise of our trials.

INSIGHT
This passage demonstrates how our personal pain can help others who suffer.  Paul uses the word comfort both vertically and horizontally.  God extends comfort to us.  We experience His comfort.  Then we can offer comfort to others.  In this way, our pain can become a conduit of care for those in distress and lead to gratitude in the midst of pain:  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (v.3).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace