“[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ‬‬‬‬2 Corinthians‬ 1:4‬ (NIV)‬‬‬‬‬‬

I only had one class on the third floor. As my friends and I climbed to the top of the staircase, I could hear the increasingly loud noises behind me, but I didn’t pay them much attention.

Just as we reached the landing, it happened. Mid-conversation, I was bumped into on both sides — first the right, then the left. As I fell to the floor, everything I was carrying flew from my arms and landed on the ground all around me.

The noises I'd heard had been coming from two students who seemed to be racing to the top of the staircase. I’m guessing they didn’t realize they’d knocked me off my feet because, after running into me, they kept going.

I was embarrassed, a bit disoriented and confused. It was one of those moments that made me want to close my eyes and just stay down so I couldn’t see everyone staring back at me.

Thankfully, my friends were there beside me. They helped pick me up, along with my books and papers, off the floor, dusting me off and letting me know the trouble was over. Then we continued to class together.

Without their presence and the relief they offered, I’m sure I would’ve felt more deflated and hesitant to keep going than I did.

Second Corinthians 1:4 explains an even better relief: “[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

This verse lets you know that life, and the people in it, can knock you down and beat you up, yet you can remain encouraged. In the midst of your troubles, God is right there offering the comfort you need to get through your situation, preparing you to comfort others in the future.

God has also placed others in your life who have been through embarrassing and painful situations. So when you need to be lifted up, comforted and encouraged because life has knocked you off your feet, be receptive to the help that’s available to you — without apology, a second look or second thought. Refuse to allow embarrassment or confusion to keep you down when others are offering you support and reminding you that you’re capable of proceeding.

My friend, in this world, you will have troubles. But remember God redeems troubles for the comfort, salvation and sanctification of others and to enable patient endurance to be worked into you. (2 Corinthians 1:6)

Also know that God shares in your sufferings and in your comfort. In the midst of:

That relationship that seems too broken …
That diagnosis that seems like too much to bear …
That assignment that seems too burdensome to carry …
That incident that seems to have left you too bruised to continue …

You can keep your focus on God — embracing His comfort and trusting the process and the work He’s doing in and through you.

Dear God, thank You for comforting us and preparing us to comfort others. Help us, oh Lord, to continue on our journey, remembering that, even when we don’t understand what we’re going through, we can trust You’re working all things together for our good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.” (AMP)

John 16:33, “‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.’ [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (AMP)

In what area of your life are you suffering and in need of comfort? When have you had the opportunity to comfort others, or be comforted by others, because of your troubles?

We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2022 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.