"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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.[a]If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Suffering shatters self-reliance. Your desire to be the strong caregiver and anchor in the storm is replaced with the realization that you are vulnerable and mortal. In the midst of this pain, however, a new understanding emerges -- a deep and embodied understanding that in your suffering you share a kinship with God's saints and His Son. A kinship that provides you more than consolation, it's a kinship that offers patient endurance and everlasting comfort from God. God is your Father of comfort. His comfort is enduring and unshakable. This comfort is a divine gift in Jesus. For just as you share in the sufferings of His Son, you also share in Jesus' eternal comfort as well. When you are burdened beyond strength and tempted to despair, look through your eyes of faith and have hope.