SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY OF COMFORT

“Who COMFORTS US in all our tribulation, that we may be able to COMFORT those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:4

Another inheritance of the Believer is the SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY of COMFORT: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (vv.3-4). The next verse then presents the law of “Flow and Overflow”:  ^“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ” (v.5). When a cup is filled to overflowing, whatever spills over the edge is the same as what’s being poured in. That is an expected natural process. But there is a supernatural process beyond our understanding: If suffering is poured into a Christian, the Christian will overflow, not with suffering, but with comfort!

With God, when suffering goes in, comfort flows out! The word abound means “to exist in abundance, to exceed a certain measure, to remain.” It is the same word used of the 12 baskets of food “left over” after Jesus miraculously fed thousands of people with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Jn. 6:12-13). When we experience tribulation for being a Christian, God transforms the suffering poured into our lives by His supernatural grace and power. When trouble flows in, look to God for His overflowing comfort – first to us, then through us to others.

There are several things people tend to turn to when they need to be comforted: a favourite food; a favourite song; a long walk in the woods; or the ‘escape’ into a choice entertainment or TV show. Friends and family are great for comfort, but for people of faith, particularly when faced with really unsettling circumstances, the Bible has always been the most unfailing source of solace. Many Bible verses remind us about God’s steadfast love and unfailing support, freely given to all who call upon Him. God’s people in the Old Testament relied on Him as they wandered in the wilderness. The early Christians in the New Testament also did, as they faced persecution and prejudice. We are no less in need today. So, let’s take a moment to ponder some comforting Bible verses; they remind us that, no matter how down we may feel, we’re never alone.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they COMFORT me” (Psa.23:4). No force of death can ever separate us from the never-failing love of God.

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psa.34:18).

“Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life” (Psa.119:49-50). We’ll never lose hope, because God’s promises never falter.

“Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted” (Isa.49:13). There is no suffering beyond the reach and comfort of our merciful God.

“I, even I, am He who COMFORTS you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?” (Isa.51:12). In God, there is no place for fear!

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Isa.66:13). God’s love will tenderly nurture us as a mother nurtures a child.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jh.14:27).

When, in Christ, we experience suffering, God's comfort abounds! He does not comfort us simply to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters!