An Extravagant Offer

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5 NASB

None of us would deny that we live in a fallen world. The effects of every day life can be daunting. Each one of us face some amount of loneliness, hurt, disappointment, pain, heartache, loss, rejection, and trouble. While my list certainly cannot compare to the things the Apostle Paul went through (beatings, imprisonment, stoning, shipwreck, cruelties), I know that if I am living and breathing I will suffer in one way or another. Life will get uncomfortable, people will let me down, certain needs and desires will go unmet, and the enemy will attack. There is an abundance of things I would rather not have in my life.

Yet, how much I need to remember the ‘so also’ of today’s verse. There is an abundance of suffering but it is matched by an abundance of comfort from my Savior! Whatever I bring to Him, He offers an equal amount or more of His comfort. No store on earth has such a grand return policy! What does this mean in my practical, every day life?

I bring my sorrows to Him and He gives me joy. I bring my loneliness to Him and He gives me His presence. I bring my emptiness to Him and He fills me. I bring my weaknesses to Him and He strengthens me. I bring my questions to Him and He gives me answers. For my wounds He has balm. For my strongholds He has freedom. For my sin He has forgiveness. For my dark moments He has light. For my losses and suffering He has comfort. Whatever the size of my trouble, situation, experience, or problem He will lavish me with the opposite.

Some who read this are going through the death of a loved one. Some are racked with physical pain. Some are struggling financially. Some are going through a divorce. Some are losing a friend. Some are depressed. No matter the circumstance that envelopes their life, this verse is meant for them today! God offers an abundance of comfort for their abundance of suffering. He is not stingy with it….He is extravagant! May each one of us open ourselves up to receive all that He desires to give!

Father, it has taken a long time for me to see this aspect of You. I spent decades seeking the comfort of others when all the while You stood ready to comfort me in deep ways. Dry my tears, hold my hand, and keep giving me the assurance of Your presence. With You I am not alone! Amen.