Today's readings are 1 Kings 3.1-15 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Kings+3.1-15 ), 2 Corinthians 1.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Cor.+1.1-22 ), and 1 Kings 3.16-4.34 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Kings+3.16-4.34 ).
Did you ever think about the purpose of suffering in this world? So often when we see suffering we hasten to Romans 8.28-29 or to the book of Job. But right here in 2 Corinthians 1 we see some very concrete help and comfort for times of suffering and affliction. I want to note just a few principles we see in this passage.
1) Our hope in affliction is that God is the "God of all comfort" (v. 3). Our Lord is no stranger to suffering and pain. His people have deserted him. He gave the son whom he loves to redeem the world from its self-destruction. And he watched as the world rejected his son. He saw his son willingly take on sin for us. God understands suffering.
2) God's comfort for us enables us to "comfort those who are in any affliction" (v. 4). There is no need to rush out to experience every conceivable type of trial in order to understand what others are going through. There is no call for someone to allege that simply because his comforter's circumstances in trial have been different that the comforter can offer no comfort. We have been comforted by God. This enables us to comfort others, no matter the affliction. God's comfort is that immense.
3) Our affliction brings comfort to others when they see that they are not the only people who are afflicted. Does this mean it is all right when we lose a loved one or when our life is thrown into turmoil in some way? No. It does not mean that affliction is good. It does mean that genuine believers experience afflictions which are common to humans in this world in part so as to show that God is able to care for people even in a world which is racked with the pain of sin.
4) When we receive comfort from our Lord it is a testimony to others who are suffering. The Lord cares and brings comfort. And the greatest comfort he brings us is that he has "delivered us from such a deadly peril" (v. 10). In fact, our suffering and our receiving comfort and hope from our risen savior is a way our Lord draws attention to himself. Though we are hurt, and hurt badly, despairing "of life itself" (v. 8), we are not undone because we know that we have ultimate deliverance through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be all glory.
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