2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.“

Trouble, trials, difficulties, and disappointments are a part of life.   But they are not the definers of life.  They are events and should be catalysts to higher realms.

Unfortunately, most people focus on difficulties from a “Woe is me” attitude rather than as a stepping stone or a transforming experience.   We look at life rather than through it to God’s purpose and finished product.   One way brings despondency and defeat, but the other growth and victory.  Choice is always involved, and choice is determined by how we look at life.

In 2 Corinthians 1:4, Paul reminds us that the ministry of Jesus is to come alongside us in Every suffering and comfort us.   Is the focus only on us?  NO!   It is to equip and enable us to comfort others who are being battered by life.  We can only give what we have.  So, if they are struggling and we don’t have this revelation and relationship, we will add weight to their trial, not relief. 

2 Corinthians 1:6 – “If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will receive EVEN MORE comfort to pass on (to others).”

Difficulties, trials, struggles, and disappointments have a benefit.  Seriously!  They enable and teach us to Lose All Confidence or faith in ourselves.   We can’t do it, so we realize that our Only Hope is GOD!

2 Corinthians 2:14 – “God ALWAYS makes His grace VISIBLE in Christ, (seeing Jesus and His finished work is indispensable) who includes us as PARTNERS in His ENDLESS TRIUMPH.”   [Emphasis mine] Hallelujah!

The next verse says that through our yielded lives (hear that phrase), He (God) spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go!   Wow!  We can be the perfume of God in a world of putrid stench.  Talk about an attention-getter. 

People will flock to us to discover How we can have such a wholesome attitude in the midst of crushing pain and struggle.    Remember, it is Christ “In Us” before Christ “Through Us.”

Today, say to every struggle, pain, trial, and disappointment, your only result is to make me strong.  You cannot defeat me.  I am IN Jesus, and He defeated you.  Therefore, I defeat you.  

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18.   Please read it, meditate on it, and embrace it.  You, in Christ, are Victorious No Matter What Comes!

Have a Great Day, and keep this truth in your heart: God Never Fails.