If I’m looking for a good book to read, I always find myself gravitating toward the biographical section of the library or a bookshop. I love to read and hear someone’s story. Most times we hear of the extraordinary accomplishments that have enabled them to become the subject of a book, but this is not what draws me to this genre.
When I read a biography or autobiography, it is like I have a chance to get to know the person. I gain insights into the things that have formed or shaped them, whether it be humble beginnings, significant family dynamics or formative experiences as a child or teenager. It is as if by reading their story, the curtain of their personal lives is lifted a little and we have a unique opportunity to get to know the true person behind the story.
Of all the letters the Apostle Paul wrote, the New Testament Book of 2 Corinthians, which was written to the followers of Jesus who resided in and around the ancient Greek city of Corinth, is regarded as the most autobiographical.
In it, he Apostle Paul lifts the curtain a little which hung over his private life and allows us to catch a glimpse of his human frailties and needs. You really need to read the whole book or letter in one sitting to catch the emotion that moves and surges through Paul’s soul! It is a letter that records the specifics of his anguish, tears, afflictions, spiritual opposition, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, loneliness, imprisonment, hunger and so on. What comes through the telling of his story are the treasures that he discovers in these moments of darkness.
One of the treasures the Apostle Paul found in these darker moments of his life was comfort. As one reads through the letter of 2 Corinthians, the word "comfort" appears again and again! As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 state: “Praise be to the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.”
As the Apostle Paul had suffered so often, he was able to understand and identify with others who were also encountering times of difficulty.
You may have known the blessing of someone who has stood with you and truly understood how challenging dark times are. Or you may have been the one to support others because you have the capacity to identify with how they are feeling simply because you have experienced God’s comfort in your life. This was a key part of the Apostle Paul’s story; he had known, on many occasions, the comforting love of God.
Paul’s story enables us to know that when we face challenging times, this is also the time to recall that God’s comfort is at hand! Our loving Heavenly Father is never preoccupied or distant when we are enduring sadness or affliction. He is there at our side and all we need to do is allow Him to surround us and receive His special comfort. In time, you will be able to pass on that same powerful comfort to others.
My prayer for each member of our community is that the God of all comfort not only helps you to experience His comfort, but also gives you the capacity at a later time to pass it on to others who need it.
May the words you have read today also bring you God’s comfort.