Comfort in Trial
by Roy Clark
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1:4
This portion of Scripture gives us two thoughts about tribulation and comfort. First, Paul declares that God our Father comforts us in all our tribulation. Second, he tells us that we are to comfort others who are in tribulation by the same comfort wherewith He has comforted us.
This is such a wonderful truth and it is important that we understand it. God loves us! He wants to comfort us in our tribulation.
There are those teachers (?) who tell us that we should not be in trial. They tell us that if we walk by faith, we will not suffer affliction. However, we realize that these men do not understand God’s wonderful truth and their teaching only confuses many people. Jesus said, “these things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” John. 16:33.
The word tribulation means “a pressing” or “pressure.” It is used with the thought of oppression, affliction, distress, or straits. “Tribulatio” was a Roman threshing instrument used to separate the wheat from the chaff. Isn’t it wonderful to know that even in the pressure that is necessary to get the chaff out of our lives, God is always there to comfort, to stand by our side with comfort and solace. He’s always there! Hallelujah!
Then do you see our responsibility to others who are in tribulation? We are to “comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Remind them that God is blowing away the chaff and that He is faithful; these afflictions being but for a moment. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Phil. 4:7.