From Calvary Chapel of Roswell

Pastor Jim Suttle

Msg #448                       Wednesday, February 21, 2007

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our tribulation

(2 Co 1:3)

Where do you go when life is hard?  We live in a sin sick world.  Sin, rebellion and defiance have brought in destruction, so much pain.  Every life is touched and hurt by it….so where do you go with your pain?

I am struck in this passage – but the description of the source of comfort that we have in the Lord.  Notice four quick things about this with me….

First – God is our source in ALL our tribulation.

The word tribulation literally means pressure, stress – a situation that is putting pressure on us.  God tells us that He is there for all of our pressures.

All…yes, all.  There is no stress, problem or issue that you are going through right now that this does not cover.  This includes the big things and the small things.  The clear things and the confusing things….it includes all. 

Second – God is complete in His comfort – all comfort.

I fear my words are not going to be as clear as I wish here – but let me try. 

In trials, there is a depth of sorrow, pain and suffering.  Often the struggles and wounds are deep.  As a man, talking to people – I am aware of how little I can actually touch those.  I am aware of my lack of ability to touch the depth of the pressures and the pain.

Not so with God.  God is complete – deep – all in His comfort.  He and He alone has the ability to meet us in the depth of our struggles.  He can and He does.  God is a God of complete…all comfort.

Third – this comfort is supplied to those unworthy – Father of mercies

Mercy in its simple definition is to not be treated as we deserve to be treated. 

The simple truth is that we don’t deserve the comfort of God – and we never can.  He comforts us in His mercy…His kindness towards unworthy ones like me.

Fourth – this comfort is His presence – God of all Comfort

The Greek word comfort literally means to come alongside someone – to be there with them, helping them, encouraging them at their side.  

The idea is God’s comfort is not a quick encouraging word or helpful insight and then He is gone.  That is always true of man – because we are limited by time, place and person.  Not so with God.  He is “with us” in our sorrow….and comforting us continually.

In these few words….I simply want to remind you and cause you to see afresh what a great source of comfort we have in God.  The silly thing is that many times, we don’t look to Him for comfort in sorrow…we go to other unworthy and unhelpful sources.  Foolish!.  Can I simply encourage you to go to the Lord today with all our pressures…and find what an amazing comfort He is!   

Jim

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