“Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble…” (2 Cor. 1:4 NKJ).
This is a case of “freely you have received, freely give.” Each of us has received something from the Lord (in stress situations) that we can pass on to others. This makes us a channel of blessing.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul says that not only do we receive comfort from the Lord, but that we can also pass that comfort on to others. Comfort is that special “something” the Lord imparts to us to sustain us, undergird us, and reinforce us in times of trial and tribulation.
The very word itself paints an image of the Lord leaning over the portals of heaven and calling out to us words of encouragement and reassurance. He does even more than that. He comes down and stands alongside of us to speak words of comfort to us in our time of greatest need. Then He tells us to do the same for others. Be a comforter, a consoler, an encourager to those who have needs like your own.
There are people in our world who feel that no one understands what they are going through. Furthermore, they are convinced that no one even cares. When you have been comforted by the Lord, you can say to such people, “Look, I understand what you are going through and I care, because I have been there myself.”
It is by undergoing – and overcoming – our own trials that we are able to comfort others in their times of testing. The Lord has comforted you in your time of need; now pass that comfort on!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.