Pastor Jay Richmond, Executive Director of Renewal Prayer Network
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Think of a time when you were troubled. How did you get through it? Often with me, it is with the help of a close friend. A friend who has gone through something similar to the situation I find myself in.
And here is the interesting thought, Jesus said we all would go through difficult times. (John 16:33) But we are to be encouraged. Why? Because Jesus has overcome the world. So we are strengthened through Jesus. Now we receive comfort from Jesus to pass onto someone else. That person passes onto another. The reality is we've received comfort from Jesus through another.
Now here is where it just gets crazy. James tells us to consider it joy when we face these troubles. Why? Because of what it produces. Here in 2 Corinthians 1 we can see one of the gifts it produces: the ability to comfort someone in need which eventually circles back to us, bringing is comfort when it is needed.
I believe this is one of the amazing characteristics of the Body of Christ ... how we may care for each other.
PRAYER: Lord, we live in a complex world. Thank you for the gift of unity in the body of Christ. Thank you for designing us with a need in each of us for You and each other. You are amazing. Thank you for inviting and allowing us in joining you in bringing comfort to one another.