The Source of All Comfort

In a world of pain and hurt, God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Adversity gives us a new compassion for those who are in pain. And often suffering is a wakeup call for us to see the world’s suffering.

We read in 2 Corinthians 1:3–6, "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."

I have found myself walking into many situations today that I would have walked away from at another time in my life. When I have heard about parents who have lost a child, even if I didn’t know them personally, I have contacted them and prayed for them. It is not that I have any profound words to share. But I do have a general understanding of what they are experiencing. I want to use my pain as a tool to help others.

When you have come through a hardship, you want to help someone else. I remember when Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell spoke at our church. A survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, he was severely burned over 60 percent his body. When I suggested that we get some lunch afterward, he told me he had already made a commitment to visit the local burn unit. He said, "I go and visit burn victims and tell them there is hope."

You can comfort others with the same comfort that God has given you. God can use adversity as a means in your life to minister to others.