”3 Blessed be 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 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. ”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Like many of us, I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately. While I’m not saying that my burden weighs more heavily than others, I must admit to the fact I am facing some of the biggest challenges of my adult life.
So it’s a good thing I have God to help me through the valley He has me traveling through for a season… 🙂
So today, I felt led to nose dive into the profound message of peace and comfort that is embedded within the verses of 2 Corinthians 3-4. Paul’s writing provides us with a glimpse into the inexhaustible source of solace and tranquility that God offers us as His beloved children.
In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul speaks of the transformation of the heart that comes through Christ. He says that we are living letters of Christ, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. This implies that our lives are open books, read and known by all, revealing the work of God in us. This transformative process is not always easy, but it is essential for us to find lasting peace and comfort.
In our journey as believers, we often face trials and tribulations. Paul acknowledges this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” These words resonate with many of us who have encountered difficulties and hardships in life. However, despite these challenges, Paul goes on to say in verse 16, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.“
The key to understanding and experiencing the peace and comfort of God lies in the recognition that our suffering, no matter how intense, is temporal. The challenges of life do not have the final word over us. Our outward circumstances may change, but our inner transformation is ongoing. This renewal is the work of the Spirit of the living God within us.
In times of despair and pain, we often find ourselves longing for comfort and peace. The good news is that God provides us with a comfort that surpasses all human understanding. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul says, “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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” God is not only the source of our comfort but also equips us to comfort others who are going through similar struggles.
Our peace and comfort, therefore, are intertwined with our calling to be instruments of God’s comfort to others. As we receive God’s comfort, we become vessels through which His peace can flow to those who desperately need it. This cycle of comfort and sharing is a beautiful testament to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
But how can we access this peace and comfort?
It starts with a steadfast faith in Christ and an unwavering trust in His promises. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul writes, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.” Every promise of God finds fulfillment in Christ, and this includes the promise of His comforting presence.
Furthermore, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” We are fragile vessels, but within us, we hold the precious treasure of God’s presence and power. Our human limitations only serve to highlight the divine power at work in us.
Where Can We Find God’s Peace & Comfort?
2 Corinthians 3-4 teaches us that the peace and comfort of God are not contingent upon our external circumstances but are rooted in our relationship with Christ.
We find solace in the knowledge that our suffering is temporary and that God’s transformative work in us is ongoing. Moreover, God equips us to be vessels of His comfort, so we can bring His peace to others in their time of need.
As we reflect on these verses and the message revealed by the hand of God, let us draw near to God, seeking His comfort and peace, and let us also be attentive to the opportunities to comfort and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing their own trials. In doing so, we participate in the beautiful exchange of God’s comfort and peace, becoming living testimonies of His grace.
May the unfailing peace and comfort of God be with each of you, sustaining and uplifting you as you journey through life’s challenges.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
