“But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:5-6).
In our age it seems as though the idea of suffering is contrary to the Gospel. But this is not what is said. As Christians, first from the mouth of Jesus and then from Paul, we hear that suffering is a part of what we will experience. This makes sense because when we are united with Christ, we become an enemy of the world. It is not that we choose suffering, but that suffering is a part of this sinful world.
Lord, help me to join with the saints who have gone before that I would willing do whatever needs to be done in any circumstance to walk this path of faith that You have set before me. Help me to not be tempted by the lies of this age which would proclaim anything to the contrary. Help me to believe firmly what You have told me and to walk humbly in this new life that You give.
Guide me, Lord Jesus, according to the Father’s will that I would now and always walk with You no matter what comes. Let me not be tempted by any comforts this world can give, for only in You is the true comfort that endures. Guide me according to Your goodness to see that in You alone is all hope for the future that You have promised. May I rejoice amidst the sufferings of this life as I look at all that You have done for me. Amen.
