Pain and Comfort

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 HCSB 

In my life have seen suffering and have asked the question why.  At my first church I pastored Betty who was in remission from cancer.  A year later the cancer returned with a vengeance taking her life.  When the cancer returned it returned in multiple places and she was given very aggressive chemo therapy. She suffered through terrible side effects. But what I remember the most was her incredible up beat spirit and faith through it all.  I will never forget Betty and her battle which ended on a Christmas morning.  When I read these verses in the opening of 2 Corinthians I know Paul is talking about suffering for the gospel.  But I know suffering comes in all shapes and sizes and I take comfort in these words. I take comfort in the fact God is the God of all comfort and that He comforts us in all of our affection.  But what surprises me and moves me the most is the why He comforts us.  He comforts us so that we might be a comfort to others.  In other words our comfort is not for ourselves but for others!  Comfort is meant to be shared. 

Two years ago I too had cancer in my thyroid.  What I have learned from my experience is I know now what that means to be told “you have cancer”.  So when someone tells me they have cancer I can relate to the weight of this terrible disease.  I have also seen God use my experience to comfort others going through the same thing.  But what I learned the most from my experience is a closer walk with God.  In my affliction I grew to understand the mercy and grace of God in ways I didn’t understand before.  He comforted me and in doing so I gave thanks for my cancer.  Because of it I grew in a deeper understanding of God’s love and I have been sharing this love with other in a new and meaningful way.  He has given me a passion for life and for reaching others for His name sake.  I praise God and I am thankful for everyday He has given me.  What have you gone through in your life and how has God comforted you?  How have you shared that comfort with others? 

Lord we praise your name, we praise you for the comfort you give us through this life.  We know you are the God of all comfort and we are comforted to comfort others.  Lord show us the people in our lives that we need to share Your love with.  Give us the joy of Your salvation in our hearts and let it overflow and touch others.  Amen