2 Corinthians 1:3-7

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.

For just as Christ’s [own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us.

But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer and undergo.

And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share and are partners in [our] sufferings and calamities, you also share and are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement).
– 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

I like to look up different translations of Scripture. I was really impressed at how the Message Bible really brings out the point in a very straight forward way…

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (Message Bible)

The Rescue

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel!

He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort–we get a full measure of that, too.

When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times.

When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

When you are going through a trial in your life this is something positive to hold onto…even if it doesn’t “seem” that way at the time.

No matter who you are, where your from, what you have or have not done, born in the church or not, rich or poor, leadership or not….WE ALL HAVE TRIALS AND STRUGGLES! There is NO escaping it. (Take it up with Eve when you get to Heaven ;) It’s just the way it is.

However, even though we must all endure these times in life, there is comfort and hope in the midst of it….if we would take hold of it.

We go through it to help and be a comfort and an encouragement to others. And there are those who have already gone through it that can be a comfort and encouragement to us. We are all ONE Body and are called to encourage, support, walk along side, and comfort one another.

I don’t always like to accept this Scripture. I have those days like everyone else where I’m like…“Why God? Why Me? Why Now? Why…Why…Why…” And ya know what? He still loves me! Yes, even when I am a whining and complaining pain in the butt. And He still hopes that a light bulb will go on, and I will accept that it’s all part of life. It won’t last forever. And there will come a day when every tear will be wiped away, and I will never feel pain or sorrow again.

Once we get that, and accept that life comes with bumps in the road…and even some major craters. And, that through it we can be blessed (by others who have gone before us) and be a blessing (to those who are going through what we have already endured)….then we will find some REAL peace in the midst of the storms!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You that even in trials there is something positive that I can lay hold of. Thank You that one day I can comfort someone who will go through what I have been through. And thank You that there are those who can comfort me through my current storms. Help me to be vulnerable and open my heart to the comfort of my sisters. Help me to find someone who can relate to what I am enduring. Thank You. Thank You. I love You, my Beloved Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez