Human beings are often in need, in trouble, in pain. People need comfort. We try to find it in various places, from a mother's hug to a bottle of wine.

We can certainly get comfort from each other. But Christ is the only source of real comfort for us. What is the purpose of His comfort in our lives? Of course, it is to assuage our heart's needs, to ease our aching spirits, to uplift us, to reanimate us, to encourage us, to help us on the way to continue fighting the battle. Also, it is, as Paul says, "that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble."

There is nothing more painful than suffering that seems to be without purpose. Let me tell you, however, there is no such thing. Paul says that we are comforted in all of our tribulation so that we may be able to comfort others in their trouble with the same comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.

God's comfort works because God can handle our pain and trouble. When it is past, we can look back and see His hand and then reach out and comfort others.

Question to ponder: Can you think of some difficult time in your life that later enabled you to help someone going through the same thing?