2 Corinthians 1: 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
This certainly does not say that Christians have fewer tribulations and suffering; but it does say that the God of all comfort is there to comfort us. In fact, we may have more tribulations and suffering so that we might learn how to comfort others in their trials and that we might be better witnesses for the comforting power found in God. Let me bring this closer to home. I had a very aggressive form of breast cancer diagnosed in 1998, underwent a modified radical mastectomy followed by aggressive chemo therapy. Late in 1999 I was then diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Mine was very aggressive and for the following year I was on high dose steroids and multiple other medications to no avail and in late 2000 had to have a total colectomy with pouch reconstruction. I had all the worse effects of the high dose steroids still present (full beard, mustache, buffalo’s hump, muscle deterioration, and full cushinoid features. The psychological affects of looking into a mirror and searching for myself, the financial devastation of those years, the pain and the physical fatigue seemed overwhelming. My solace, my comfort, my hope, and my Joy (yes Joy) could only be found in clinging closely to God. I studied my Bible every morning as the ulcerative colitis would awaken me with devastating pain at 3 or 4 every morning. My next 4 hours would be spent in a recliner alone with God between the 15 minute runs to the bathroom for my colon to expel the massive blood clots. Then I would go to work–afterall, I had to work and was greatful that my ulcerative colitis worse cycling would end about 8 so that I could go to work. This was a daily ritual for over a year and then the colectomy. For 6 weeks following the colectomy, I had an ileostomy which was hard to fit with appliances and thus every morning at 3 am, my bag with break and leak all over me. After a shower, I would sit all alone by worldly standards and try to replace a new one–sometimes taking 1-2 hours because my ileostomy was rather unruly and gave me no time to prep. There I would sit, naked and cold with tears pouring down my face. Suddenly I would feel the embracing power of God’s presence to help me through and let me know I was not alone. Where was God? He was right there with me. Was this punishment for all my sins? No, they were all covered and paid for on the cross. Then why? This was the perfect training ground for me. How much more compassion and empathy can I have for my patients. Who better to tell them that God loves them and wants to draw them closer to His side; because, His plan is built out of love and only He knows how to draw you closer to Him. He knows that the only way you can have Perfect Joy, Hope, and Love is by having a close relationship with Him. He wants you to have the experience of the Joy you can only find in Him. To this day I cherish the early morning hours I spend with Him. I still arise at 4 am to talk with Him. Note–"as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." So dear Christian friend, if you are suffering today; recognize that Christ is there to comfort you–He who bore so much suffering in your place–understands. Thank Him for His presence and thank Him for the trials; because in the center of your greatest trial He is offering you His greatest gift–His Presence to strengthen, comfort, encourage, and fill you with His Joy, His Love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcfBMdLbkNM