Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

I recently prayed for a man who has suffered from all kinds of diseases. He was wanting prayer for healing and also for encouragement. It has been a long battle.

I have other friends who each have children. One has wrestled with childhood cancer and the other is currently dealing with cancer in their daughter. It is hard to understand why this happens and what the benefit (if any) will be.

Persecution is another type of suffering we must endure. Many face this for their belief in Jesus, their political beliefs, their stands for honesty and integrity, etc.

Sickness and death are a result of this fallen world we live in. It is so very hard to see children suffer and I cannot imagine how hard it is at extreme levels. But in spite of this sinful world with its diseases and maladies, we have a Savior who cares for us and loves us deeply. He does not typically cause illness, but he will walk through it with us and help us to bear up under it.

Persecution is a different kind of trial. It is an opportunity to bear up under unfair treatment as Jesus did and shine in the midst of the challenge in a way that is unbelievable to those around us. When we allow God to work in us during persecution, his glory shines even brighter!

Whatever our trouble, when we go to God he gives us comfort at a different level than this world gives. I love these verses for dealing with the struggles of this world: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬)

We are called to replace the human anxiety we feel with rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for his past, current, and future deliverance from our struggles at times, and ultimately into heavenly glory. And we are to go to God with frequent prayers and earnest petitions. We can cry out to Jesus because he truly understands our trials and struggles.

When we do this, we gain a peace that is so great it overwhelms our anxiety, worry, and stress in this world. It is a mind-blowing peace! And we also have a couple of long-term benefits listed here in II Corinthians: 1) We draw closer to God and rely on his strength more, building more confidence in his “righteous omnipotent hand”, 2) We can pass along the comfort we received from God to others and bless them, and 3) We can encourage others’ faith by allowing them to see God answer their prayers in providing for us – they see the hand of God act!

So no matter the hardship, whether illness or persecution, injury or job loss, relational issues or past or current abuse, God loves us and wants us to ask for help. He wants us to trust him. And he wants to show the world that no matter how tough the situation, he is faithful to his followers.

Lord, thank you for your Word which gives me confidence in my minor struggles and may give others confidence in major ones. You have plans for our best in the midst of a sinful world full of pain and hardship. Help me to see your provisions every day and rejoice and be thankful. You are so faithful to fill my heart with the good gifts I need to live a life of blessing in a world of chaos!