(2Co 1:11) “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” In answer to many of us praying, the Lord responds according to His will. Then we each praise Him for what He has done. Through the trial comes rightful praise to Him that otherwise might not have been given.

(2Co 1:10) “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”  When one is faced with the great trials of life, they need to look back at what God has done in their past: (Rom 5:3) “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

(2Co 1:9) “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:”  While it is important that we keep in mind we are but one breath away from death; we should also remember at death our life will actually begin, free from the hold of sin forever.

(2Co 1:8) “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:”  God’s people are not immune from the troubles of this life. One should even expect it, if they are going to actively share the gospel. The Lord Jesus said: (Joh_16:33) “These things I have 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.” 

 (2Co 1:7) “And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”  This hope is a confident looking for. The Lord never fails to minister to His own. Yes, He might allow them suffer the affairs of this life, but at the same time ever faithful in walking with them through whatever may come.

(2Co 1:6)  “And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”  Notice Paul’s life-view. He saw the trials of health or persecution to have a purpose; not so much caused by the Lord but allowed of.  Should you and I not look upon them as the same?  

(2Co 1:5) “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” Notice that as the sufferings “abound”, so does the consolation – the hand of God ministering to the sufferer. Our Lord is sufficient for all things we go through a His Child. Remember, to experience this dedicated servant of God’s blessing, you must also be seeking to please your Savior.

 (2Co 1:4) “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.”   Imagine being able, like Paul here, to look at tribulation as, not something one simply endured, but as something used of God for the benefit of others. If one can do so, it will change our outlook towards all hardships.

(2Co 1:4) “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.”  Sadly, it is through the troubles of this life we grow the most (Rom 5:3-4; James 1). Yet, it is through this we experience the love of our Father. This enables us to minister to others who walk through that same valley of life.

(2Co 1:3) “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”   Almost every funeral I have ever done has found me using this verse to point those grieving to the Lord. Our Lord is the only true source of comfort. He alone fully understands everything you are going through. The man Jesus knew firsthand what it was to suffer loss.