Comfort, Like No Other!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 AMPC

When a man makes a claim, you want to examine his credentials to find out if he is qualified to make those claims. You look at Paul's life and you know that whatever he says comes from a lifetime of experience.  You will wonder why a man so used of God in mighty ways should have difficult times. That's my first lesson- being called and backed up by God does not insure you against difficult times. Difficult times WILL come, but what will make the difference will be the content of the inner man.

What is in your inner man? Does God hold a claim to your heart or you are fully in charge of your life and destiny? Does God rule and reign or have you devised a sharing formula whereby God holds a part and you hold on to the rest? God is introduced here as the God of all comfort, consolation and encouragement. In this day and age when men want a God who gives them what they want, when they want it and without stress, it is difficult to understand the kind of God being introduced here. But that is the God Paul knew. What kind of god are you holding on to? What kind of God do you know?

How you scale the hurdles ahead will be determined by your ownership structure and the quality of your inner convictions. If you are looking for the kind of comfort and convenience the world offers, Paul's God does not guarantee that. If you are looking for earthly impact without heavenly backing, this God does not give that. For all he gives, he tests. He allows the trials to come, so I can be prepared for the greater heights he is taking me to. He allows the trials, so that through them, I mature to the man he wants me to be.

Of course, no lesson from God is wasted. Whatever he teaches me, he wants me to pass it to others. I don't just receive God's comfort and hoard it; It must show in my interactions with other people. My life must show that I have met with God. People must meet the God I follow, unless the God I follow and serve is not the true One. He is always there to help, comfort, hold and uphold. Can I trust him with my life? Can you trust him with yours? His time of favour is here.