What have you heard about suffering as it pertains to the Christian life? Some would say that Christians should not suffer. Those making such comments fail to grasp the Bible’s clear examples of suffering in the lives of Paul, the disciples, and the Early Church members.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, NKJV).
Paul talked honestly about “tribulation,” “sufferings,” and being “afflicted.” He endured many painful circumstances, but discovered that through them all God was his comfort. Paul was constantly aware of and relied upon the extraordinary power of God to turn negative issues into periods of growth and encouragement. He also knew that God’s comfort is designed to give believers the ability to comfort each other.
Warriors endure many challenges, and often much suffering, in carrying out their duties. Today the Holy Spirit uses these experiences to draw us closer to God and to one another as believers. God not only invites us to trust Him in life’s harshest circumstances, but He gives us resources so that we can comfort others. Who knows? You may be that special messenger God wants to use to comfort a hurting person.
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
