“Blessed be 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 have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.”

If you share in the trial of your faith, then you will share in the comfort God gives through Christ.

First, the sufferings are the same for all Christians. “The sufferings of Christ overflow to us… we are afflicted… endurance of the same sufferings we experience… you share in our sufferings.”

It's the trial of our faith: Will we believe God? He assaults us with many adversities, using the Devil, the world, and our unclean flesh, but He will not have us dismayed. We are tried on every side and temptations abound, but we will believe God in the battle.

“That the genuineness of your faith, much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” --1 Pet 1:7

We are pressed beyond strength, disappointed, and afflicted. We are cast down but not forsaken, chastened but not destroyed [2 Cor 4:8-9]. Unbelief raises her head. Will God forsake us? Has He forgotten to be gracious?

Yet, as the temptations abound, so does the consolation, because we're not tempted above what we can handle, and neither was Christ. He came forth victorious, so we have rest. Hope in God remains, though all other hope is cut off.

Secondly, consolation abounds!

“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… we ourselves are comforted by God… our comfort also abounds through Christ… as you are partners of the sufferings, so also of the comfort.”

He's the God of comfort, and the cast down are lifted up! We are liberated by the Spirit, and the chains fall off. Unbelief flees, chased by faith and hope, and we receive the end of our faith, with joy unspeakable.

“Receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.” --1 Pet 1:9

Believing, we speak,

"I was cast down, but not forsaken. God's with me. He has not forgotten to be gracious. Unbelief is my slave and not my master."

We are ransomed by blood and delivered from the waterless pit.

“Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare I will restore double to you.” --Zech 9:12

Joy comes in through justification, and we remember our God. Hope looks into eternity and embraces the covenant. God loves us unshakably, and all is well. He has left us peace - peace to erring saints - and faith sees the tomb is empty, and the promises are sure! We are blessed and not cursed, and we shall live forever!

Thirdly, we are comforted to help others.

“Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God… Now if we are pressed, it is for your comfort and salvation… Or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort and salvation.”

We are delivered to deliver and blessed to bless! What an amazing thing: God makes us like His Son - generous with wisdom, and able to speak as one that knows.

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak.” --2 Cor 4:13

We point to the Savior and to the Spirit, acknowledging God's will. We tell poor and afflicted souls that FAITHFUL is He who calls you, and He will also do it [1 Thess 5:24].

Brothers, look up! Help is not in man. Salvation belongs to God, and He will keep you by rod and staff, in affliction and comfort. He can be trusted, and the Spirit's power is sufficient. You can do all through Christ.

Let's be clear. Hope makes not ashamed [Rom 5:5]. He will fulfill His word. Only believe His prophets, and you will prosper [2 Chron 20:20].

Have you been forgiven? Then you will be sanctified too. He cannot give one without the other. Your resurrection is coming, and you will soon fight sin no more. Sorrow and death will be destroyed! You will rest forever, so be encouraged.