Suffering, what to look for

"God ... 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....knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." - 2nd Corinthians 1:3a, 4a, 7b

Many don't suffer for their faith, like the early apostles did, but every person has some tragedy, suffering, personal weakness, or situation causing them to ask, "Why me, and why this?!"

God offers a partial reason and a personal promise.

1) The promise? Consolation! God promises if (when) we suffer there SHALL be a consolation from Him, so look for it! Stop focusing on "why this or why that and start looking for His consolation - it will be there, somewhere, He says it will!

2) The partial reason? It's the same as why we, who have given our lives to Christ, still remain here - to use our lives and experiences to give hope to others and to introduce them to the One who gives us hope and consolation.

Suffering people listen to those who have suffered like them and survived.

Stop thinking life is all about you, in the suffering look for His consolation and when you have it share how you found it!

- fritz