God is not simply a God who offers comfort occasionally. In 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Paul calls Him “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” the One who comforts us in **all our affliction**.

That comfort is also meant to move through us. God meets us in suffering, sometimes directly and sometimes through the testimony, presence, and care of others who have suffered before us. Then, having received His comfort, we become able to comfort others with the same comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Our afflictions do not have to end with us. In the hands of God, even suffering can become part of a continuing cycle of grace: God comforts His people, His people comfort one another, and each new testimony points us back again to the God of all comfort.

Where have you experienced God’s comfort in an affliction? Who might God be calling you to comfort because of what He has already carried you through?

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Cedar Springs Community Church
Graham, Washington 98338
cedarspringsnw.com