July 13
The God
of All Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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.
Daily Steps
When the pain of trials feels overwhelming, the new believer needs to be reminded of God's character and the communal purpose of suffering. This passage provides the definitive title that secures peace: God is the God of all comfort, and His comfort is meant to be shared.
The peace in this character is found in universal availability and shared experience:
God's Character: He is first the "Father of compassion" (tender mercy). He does not look upon our suffering with cold indifference but with active, heartfelt sympathy. He is then defined as "the God of all comfort"—meaning every form of true solace, support, and peace originates from Him and is available for every kind of trouble (in all our troubles).
The Process of Comfort: The comforting is not isolated; it is purposeful. God comforts us so that we can comfort those in any trouble. Our experience of suffering is redeemed when it becomes the basis for ministering to others, extending the divine compassion we received.
The Result is Redemptive Peace: This realization transforms suffering from a solitary burden into a shared mission. When you receive comfort from God, you receive a gift that must be passed on. This act of giving comfort prevents self-pity, secures unity (Day 161), and provides a profound, redemptive peace in the midst of your pain.
Your peace in suffering is secured by divine compassion. Rest in the truth that the God of all comfort is tenderly supporting you, and find joy in the purpose of sharing that comfort with others.
Reflective Question
If God is the God of all comfort and you are experiencing a recent trial, what specific comfort (assurance, resource, or perspective) have you received from Him? Who can you actively pass that comfort on to today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion. I confess my desire to hoard my comfort or wallow in my pain.
Thank You for comforting me in all my troubles. I pray for the strength to use the comfort I receive from You to comfort those in any trouble. Secure my peace today in the redemptive purpose of my suffering. Amen.
