2 Corinthians 1
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this epistle, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. Paul has been put through the “ringer” in life. So many times as he has gone place to place, sharing the gospel of Jesus, and has ran into opposition. From physical attacks against his body, to attacks against his character, Paul has suffered dearly. But as Paul writes this epistle to the church in Corinth, he finds God’s purpose in his sufferings. Paul understands that God is always there throughout his sufferings. He knows that God brings him comfort during those times. Paul knows that it is through that comfort from God, that he can bring that same comfort to others who are suffering as well. And from this, all will experience God’s love, comfort, and answer to prayers that will ultimately bring glory to God our Father!
Understanding-What does it mean?
Finding God’s purpose during difficult times.
You ever wonder “why me God?!” Whether it is dealing with the death of a loved one, experiencing a grim health notice from your doctor, or even maybe experiencing financial difficulties. The truth of the matter is that God has a purpose for it all. But have we ever truly took the time to think about what that purpose is? I know the Apostle Paul has. Paul knew that the more he suffered in Christ, the more he would experience God’s comfort as well. He knew that others he came in contact with may have experienced similar sufferings in life, and that he may share with them that same comfort he experienced from God. It’s like a person who lost a loved one. Who better to bring comfort to that person than another person who experienced that same problem, and overcame that sorrow through the comfort of God? If anyone knows what that person is experiencing it would be him/her right? The bottom line is God has a purpose for everything in life. He shares with us the good times in life, but especially the bad times. His purpose is to make us grow, to be stronger in our faith, and to be more like His Son Jesus. And to be more like Jesus, we need to be more loving, compassionate, forgiving, and be able to bring comfort to those in need. So remember whenever those tough times hit us, God has a purpose behind it all. He wants the world to know Him. He wants the world to be able to experience His unfailing love, grace, and mercy He has for all who believe. So next time trouble hits, instead of asking “why me God?”, say “why not me?” Just know that God will give us the strength we need when we need it.💪🏽😊
“So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.”
2 Timothy 2:10
Life Application
Being salt and light to the earth.
Like we learned this past Sunday, we as Christ Followers are change agents. We are called to be salt and lights to the earth. We should be illuminating God’s light/love to others. Or how Pastor Gary put it, we should be making an unseen God, seen. How do we do this? Through our actions and testimonies to others. What better time to do it than now? With the world living in fear and panicking over this Coronavirus, it is our time as Christians to shine bright. So while the world tells us we should be worried and scared, let us be the ones who bring peace and comfort. While the world fights in the lines at grocery stores, let us show love and grace. While the world hoards supplies, let us share with those in need. Let our lights shine so bright during these dark times so that all will see the glory of God.
-Moses Gaddi