“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. 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…
“For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6,8b-11
His first letter to the Corinthian church was to urge unity in the body and the exercising of their gifts in love. Now Paul addresses complete dependence on Jesus as they carried out their ministry, which would always be a dynamic combination of learning and teaching. Living out a life of service would be more than didactic. Every pushback, every rejection, every bit of suffering along the way was an integral part of sanctification, for them and those they served. No experience is lost on the Lord, rather explicitly used to change us from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
It’s not just content we need to learn in our spiritual journey, but the lessons that come with faithful practice of His word. These include a deep walk with Christ and growing faith as we interact with fellow believers. As we learn more about who God is and what to obey, He enables us with the how in practical living.
Restoration from a fall into sin teaches forgiveness and love. Articulation of and even rejection of a testimony confirms the clarity of truth. Buffeting on the outside affirms renewal of the inner spirit. Anguish of body and spirit propels shared compassion and comfort. Godly grief through conviction prompts repentance. Poverty elicits generosity and ultimate thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice for us. All of life is purposeful in God’s economy. We work with Christ to accomplish His intentions for us and others. (2 Corinthians 2:5-9,14-16; 4:1-2,5-6,16-18; 6:1-10; 7:5-7,10-11; 8:2-5,9-10)
How richly are we learning about God and life in our day to day? Are we eager to understand reasons and apply new tools? What new insights, practical lessons, and changes of habit have we recently implemented? How are we passing on- by explaining and modeling- what we’ve learned? How zealously do we take advantage of God’s school that is our life?
Gracious Lord, help me thrive and minister in Your sufficiency, for the building up of Your church and the magnification of Your greatness and glory. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)
As the rain and snow 