Comfort

I have finished the first week of my new study! It looks like we are going to be called to memorize verses each week and I am so excited about that. I have had quite a burden to start memorizing scripture, but wasn't to sure what verses to pick and how to have a good plan of attack. But now, thank you Jesus, there is a plan!

As this was the opening week of the study, we have been introduced to Paul's second missionary journey and in conclusion, today we looked at 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. This passage is talking about suffering and being comforted. Verse 3 and 4 are what we have been called to memorize:

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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The Greek word for affliction here means a pressure, a pressing, anything that burdens the spirit. His point in verse 4 about comforting us in ALL our afflictions is that the more intense the suffering, the more abundant the comfort. In other words, we can never "out-suffer" His comfort. What a beautiful and timely word to my heart!

Lord Jesus, how You understand better than anyone the pain of suffering. Thank you that when I am afflicted with rejection you comfort me with approval. When I am pressed with fear and doubt, you restore me with grace and faith. When I feel excluded and abandoned you remind me you have called me to abide in You and Your ravishing love. Father of mercies, how you DO comfort us!