When we’re going through difficulties the question often arises, “Why me?” We believe that if we knew the reason why we are facing adversity that it would make us feel better. Job never knew the reason why he experienced adversity, but he emerged with a deeper understanding of God. The Apostle Paul revealed a reason why we may go through difficulties in his letter to the church at Corinth. He first reminded the people of the character of God:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (2 Corinthians 1:3)

God is described as a God of comfort. He comforts us so that we can be a channel of comfort to others:

Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

The word comfort conveys the idea of calling alongside to give aid and encouragement to others. This is a common word in this epistle emphasizing God’s comfort for His people.

A person going through adversity is often more receptive to someone who has been through a similar experience. There is a sense that this person knows what I’m going through. God may allow you to experience adversity so that you can bring comfort to others. Our times of pain are never wasted in God’s economy. Jesus experienced the full force of trials and temptations and He knows what you’re experiencing:

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

How does it encourage you knowing that Jesus knows what you’re going through? He understands and He cares about your situation. When we encounter a situation when God is all we have, then we realize that God is all we need:

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5)

When you experience God’s comfort then you are able to bring His comfort to others. God’s overall purpose is not simply to make us comfortable, but enables us to bring comfort to others. It is in the desert of despair that we discover that God provides us an oasis of comfort.

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;  (2 Corinthians 1:6)

Whether we face affliction or comfort, it can be of benefit to others. Could It be that God is allowing you to go through a deep valley so that you may bring comfort to others?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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