"If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer."

Christians suffer to comfort one another. We're afflicted so others can be comforted. We're comforted to comfort. Our eyes see Christ in the power of the Spirit, so we can reveal Christ to others. 2 Corinthians 1:4, "who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Our God is wonderfully wise. He's sweetened our sufferings with a purpose. These afflictions are necessary for other people's salvation. They come because the earth is cursed, and Satan is active. He is, however, God's instrument to do us good. 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." There are painful sufferings that we endure. Sweetened by faith, they do us and others good.

Do not draw back, and do not resist it. Suffering humbles, and strengthens us. They throw us upon our God, put our mouth in the dust, and we find hope. Lamentations 3:31, "For the Lord will not reject forever." Then, God's faithfulness is preached in the Spirit, rather than the flesh. Then, we talk by faith, and he uses us. 2 Corinthians 4:13, "But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—'I believed, and so I spoke' —we also believe, and so we speak."

Let us be willing to suffer for others. Let us tell them how he helps us. Let's be patient in our afflictions, and boldly talk of Christ. Failures and recoveries, hardships and difficulties, all have their purpose.

First, "if we are afflicted." We're all afflicted. We all have burdens and sorrows. The earth is cursed because of sin, and it won't be remedied until the resurrection. The best Christians are afflicted, and made better by their sorrows. We're forced to trust God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9, "Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." We're over our head in sorrows, and only God can save us from despair and difficulty. We have no other hope. 2 Corinthians 1:8, "For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life."

(Don't listen to, "God doesn't give us more than we can handle," talk. He gives us too much, so we rely on him.)

Bless God, he's faithful. Afflicted children are not forgotten. Psalms 103:14, "For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust." He's with us in our tears, and they serve a purpose. He weakens us to use us. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." He maximizes our fruit bearing. He gets more out of us, than if we had no trouble.

Trust him, dear saint. He's doing good.

Secondly, "If we are comforted." We are comforted, so look to Christ. We can endure anything he sends our way. Believe in the sufficiency of grace, and the help of the Spirit. Cry out to him in despair and hope. Psalms 62:8, "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge." Don't forget his love.

The Spirit will come to assist. No one trusts him in vain. Romans 10:11, "Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame," He's too faithful, and too good. He does not afflict willingly.Lamentations 3:57, "You came near when I called on you; you said, “Do not fear!” He'll never despise heartbroken faith. He'll strengthen us in the storm. He'll increase our faith and testimony. He'll show us he's faithful, so we can tell others.

Never run to man. Comfort is from the Lord. Only he can give us the Spirit. Use Christ your mediator, and go in faith. The throne of grace is OPEN in your time of need. We have a gracious and a helping God. Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Preaching from experience makes us helpful indeed. Like Christ, others are helped by what we suffer!

Thirdly, you have the "same sufferings." Every believer's faith is tested! "Will God care for me?" "Do you care if we perish?"

Every believer walks by faith. None have self sufficiency. The strongest is a mere weakling. The most holy leans upon Christ. The most upright has no righteousness of his own. Philippians 3:9, "and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith." The most wise has no wisdom: he's simply taught by God, and follows Christ.

We are not different. We all need Christ equally for everything. Some, through suffering, know more. Some, through receiving comfort, are more comforting.

Let's not shy away from suffering. Agonize, and DO WHAT'S Right. Let's not let the world pass away unwept over and unreached. Let's get out of our comfort zones, and do everything for obedience. This is suffering for righteousness' sake.