The God of all Comfort

The word trial by its definition does not immediately bring about a positive emotion. A trial or trials can come in many forms. A trial can involve a myriad of things, finances, health, relationships, or all of the above.

A trial can occur without warning, last for an undetermined amount of time and be costly. A trial can require the expenditure of personal and financial resources.

It is no wonder that the word trial does not illicit a sense of joy.

Trials are a part of life. A Christian does not get a pass or an exemption. Trials do have value, and they do play a significant role in our spiritual development. If they didn’t God would not allow them to cross our path.

God has a purpose and a plan for every believer. A trial in one’s life can play a significant role for the individual, for the body of Christ, and for the unbeliever. God, however, does offer His comfort and presence in and through trials.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states the following:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Paul knew about trials. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 he lists a summary of his personal trials which included imprisonment, flogging, exposure of death through stoning, being shipwrecked, times of need lacking food and water, and material resources.

Yet before listing such in his letter to the church of Corinth, he speaks of God’s compassion and comfort.

Paul Knew of the importance of trials for the believer. He knew firsthand of God’s compassion and comfort, designating Christ as the “Father of Compassion and God of all Comfort.”

God through His son Christ is the source of comfort. As the Father of compassion, He is ready and able to provide it to us through our trials. In doing so, He can equip us to extend the same comfort to others.

A trial in one believer’s life can be the answered prayer for another’s, offering the perspective for one to love and comfort another in need through Christ.

Today may we consider the trials we have experienced with Christ’s presence through them. May we see ways to provide the same compassion and comfort to others in their trial.

Pastor Dan Blakely