“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 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. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 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. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 ESV
As we go through difficult times, we must grab hold of the comfort that the Lord has for us. During these COVID 19 times, we can look at China and Italy to see the comfort after their affliction. Let’s go a little further, whatever personal afflictions we may be facing, there is comfort and life at the end of what you’re facing. There’s someone out there who has been delivered from depression and anxiety. There’s someone who’s survived the pain of mourning and loss. There’s someone living free from overcoming addictions. There’s someone who has survived abuse and domestic violence. Whatever the affliction, there is comfort! And when we come out of affliction, we must not forget to be a comfort to those still going through affliction. We must offer the hope and comfort that has been given to us.