Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, [4] 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.
I have always loved this verse. It has never ceased to be a source of encouragement and blessing to me as I deal with the day to day issues that surround the melancholy from which I suffer. But ya know, though it is a great passage it has to be understood within the individual context of our circumstances for its value to be truly appreciated.
The first thing we need to reflect upon is exactly how God is merciful to us in our affliction. Of course, the big thing is that it could always be worse than it is or it could be a different and more crippling affliction. We never understand this until we actually consider the possibility of a greater and more difficult affliction. I really believe that each persons afflicton is tailor made for their maturity, ability and need. There are no purposeless afflictions. Nor are they arbitrary or random. They are individual and specific to each of us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Though our " temptation" or more accurately "trial" can be listed in a plethora of trials available, OUR trial is specific to US. As there are no cooky - cutter blessing and no recipes for endurance, there are no cooky - cutter afflictions. Each and every affliction is specific to the individual facing it. Each affliction is "special."
Trials are common to all men but our trial is our trial. It is packed in with all our "baggage" which gives it that unique flavor. Because of this a lot of the "encouragement" we're offered sounds terribly hollow. People lovingly seek to encourage us and it is a kindness but we always have the , "Yes, BUT....." in the back of our minds. It is, I believe, true that, " Nobody knows the trouble I've seen, nobody knows but Jesus." They may have had a similar experience but MY trouble is MY trouble. Yes?????
We need to own our trials and know them as well as possible. They need to be prayerfully examined and not just accepted on face value. As we examine them we will see the dynamic of the trial...the components and secondary causes and we can then pray with greater wisdom and insight concerning them. Trust me, ignorant prayers, though acceptable, are not nearly as useful as prayer born out of deep and meaningful reflection. Especially concerning the trials and afflictions we face.
We do so need wisdom in affliction and we are promised that His wisdom is available for the asking. BUT when we ask we need to purpose to use it! It does us no good to ask and receive if we do not plan to do the wisdom work. That means we have to sit down, perhaps with pen and paper, and really consider our affliction within the context of our redemption and our abiding sin. I fear that this is the only way we can gain a solid and meaningful understanding and appreciation of the circumstances we find ourselves in. It ain't magical folks, it all takes our cooperator with the work of the Holy Spirit. This isn't about "works" but it is about "work."
I'm not done with this passage but will end this at this point to allow you time to prayerfully consider what has been offered here. I pray that you will grow in knowledge, understanding and appreciation of all God has done, is doing and will do in your life that it will glorify His name and bring peace to your soul.
Michael
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