DEVOTION – DAY 482

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “God Is The Source Of All Comfort”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to 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 comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

The apostle Paul suffered much when he shared the gospel throughout Asia Minor and planted churches. He was able to persevere despite many obstacles put in his way. He also faced many rejections. He was able to do so because he received consolation and encouragement from God throughout his many struggles. God showers His comfort on those who suffer for His sake. That experience will enable people like Paul, to be a source of encouragement to others, facing similar circumstances.

We knew a Christian businessman who decided to run his business according to Biblical principles. He found it challenging to do so. He said he often lost business opportunities because he declined to offer “commissions” to win tenders. He was even betrayed by some of his employees who left him to join competitors taking some of his clientele with them. In the face of such challenges, he could only turn to God. He had to tell the Lord that he needed His help, if he were to continue to honor Him by running his business along Biblical principles. After a number of years, his business picked up and he became established. The Lord made sure he always had sufficient business contracts in order to meet all his business commitments. He never needed to retrench any staff. He was never in debt. 

His experience had helped him to be a source of encouragement to other Christians wanting to start their own businesses. He is able to give advice and to pray for those, who turn to him for guidance. He is able to testify that the Lord is faithful and their needs will always be met, if they remain faithful to the Lord. The Lord may not grant them great wealth because great wealth often proves to be an irresistible temptation, drawing Christians away from God. But the Lord will honor those who choose to honor Him. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are full of compassion. You are the God of all comfort and you comfort and encourage us in our troubles. Please help us to remain steadfast and close to you and your Word. We humbly pray in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. How have you suffered for the Lord’s sake, at work, in college, or in your neighborhood? Share.
2. How has the Lord of all Comfort been comforting and encouraging you in your troubles for Him?
3. How has the Lord used you to be source of comfort and encouragement to others? Share.
4. How has a past experience in overcoming a personal crisis enabled you to help someone in a similar situation?