The book of Isaiah closes with the idea that God provides comfort like that of a mother - Isaiah 66:13. Last night we pursued this idea, the idea of God the comforter, in our evening lesson. It took us to 2 Corinthians. Here we find a greater understanding of God the comforter, what it means, its purpose, and the lesson it teaches us.
In 2 Corinthians 1:3 we find that God comforts us in all our troubles. I don't need to tell you what trouble means. The moment you read the verse and your eyes land upon "troubles" you think of your situation, your troubles. However, let's not linger there long. Rather let's grab the message that God provides comfort during these times.
What is comfort? When I think of comfort I think of the ez-chair, the recliner down in the family room. However, that is not the original idea of the word. It truly means "greater support." Split the word in half and you find "fort" for strength and "com" for extreme. So God provides support in your time of trouble not the ez-chair.
There is a purpose to your troubles and the comfort gained. It can be found in 2 Corinthians 1:4. The purpose is to comfort others, especially those in similar circumstances. At Wakefield, we have seen God put us in this ministry. Many in our body have been called by God to share their hurts and to comfort others in need.
There is a great lesson that comes with troubles and comfort - the lesson of reliance. Look at 2 Corinthians 1:9-10. You go through these things to learn to rely on God not on self and to come to understand that the God who delivered you in the past will deliver you in the future. Set your hope on Him...on the God of comfort.
-Mark
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