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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4 NASB

Paul knew about hardship; he’d been beaten, imprisoned, ship-wrecked, and snake-bitten. However, he’d testified to God’s comfort during those trials and tribulations. The word “comfort” is often associated with doting grandmothers who gently wipe their grandchildren’s tears with a cookie-dough splattered apron, or when a friend ministers with saffron-seasoned chicken noodle soup because we’re stuffy-nosed and bedridden or recuperating from surgery. Nevertheless, that isn’t the context in this case.
 
     The Greek word for comfort is much like the word paraclete which means ‘to come alongside to help.” (NASB commentary) Paul was stating that the God of all comfort drew near to help make him bold and brave. He had faced such dire circumstances that he had despaired even of life. The Greek word for despair indicates that he believed that there was “no passage out.”  His burdens were such that he didn’t trust his own judgement. He had no strength left, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. He was sure his ministry was over. He believed there was no “door of escape.”  

     However, Paul believed God would yet deliver him. He trusted the One who raises the dead. A door opened, but he was troubled for his friend and had no peace or will to stay. He moved on. But impossible is where God began.
 
     When Paul turned his focus back to the Lord with prayer and praise, and he acknowledged the privilege it was to serve Him through the hardship, he was able to overcome in Jesus Christ. Victory was His! Paul became a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who were being saved. Likewise, God was pleased with his faithful commitment to further the gospel. 

     Whatever you face today, Jesus is the answer. When there seems to be no passage, walls close in and doors shut, Jesus is the way out. Have you accepted His invitation of salvation? Set your hope on Him. His resumé is noteworthy. He parted seas, healed the lame and blind, fed the crowds with a schoolboy’s lunch, and raised the dead. Believe in His mighty resurrection power. He will yet deliver us!

     My prayer for our Americans and allies remaining in Afghanistan is steadfast, knowing that they are sharers of our suffering and sharers of our comfort. May stubborn hearts be softened, and a “door of faithfulness” be opened for all in such terror-filled, chaotic, and desperate situations. Lord, come and rescue your oppressed people.  

Jesus is our only hope,

Lily Mae

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us. 

2 Corinthians 1: 8-10 NASB