Encouragement for Your Week: October 19-25
This Week’s Verse
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.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
Devotion
Though our world is full of hurts, sadness, and hard times, the good news is that we are not alone. We are blessed with God's comfort. When life gets difficult, the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" gives us exactly what we need to get through everything—and even to overcome it.
What kind of comfort are we talking about? The Bible doesn't list a specific set of things. That's likely because God tailors the comfort to each person and each situation. For example, the Apostle Paul was once feeling down because of the troubles he faced in a place called Macedonia. But he found comfort when his friend Titus arrived with great news about the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). Knowing his friends cared made a huge difference! God's comfort can come in many forms: a caring word from a Christian friend, relief from pain or a lighter feeling after grief, safety from danger, or an encouraging message when you're being criticized or treated unfairly.
Here's an amazing part of God's plan: People who have been comforted by God during their own struggles are often best equipped to comfort others going through similar troubles. Think about it: Someone who has already been through a hard time and experienced God's help has the wisdom of experience. They know what God's comfort truly feels like, and they can use that to help others who are being dragged down by their problems. The Bible teaches that our struggles are useful (James 1:2-5), and Paul adds that our comforts are useful, too. Nothing is wasted in God's plan. He truly is working everything—the good and the bad—for our benefit and for His glory.
Just like everyone else, you're probably facing different kinds of problems right now. The God of comfort is ready to send you exactly what you need to help you keep going and conquer those issues. Pray for it, look for it, and then be ready to pass that comfort on to someone else.
This Week’s Challenge
Look for and be ready to pass on the comfort you receive from God this week.