A Promise to Ponder Volume 1 Issue 16

2 Corinthians 1: 5 - For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

the sufferings – 1) that which one suffers or has suffered, a) externally, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction, 1) of the sufferings of Christ 2) also the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured, b) of an inward state, an affliction, passion, 2) an enduring, undergoing, suffering

Abound/aboundeth – 1) to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure, a) to be over, to remain, b) to exist or be at hand in abundance, 1) to be great (abundant), 2) a thing which comes in abundance, or overflows unto one, something falls to the lot of one in large measure

Consolation – 1) a calling near, summons, (esp. for help), 2) importation, supplication, entreaty, 3) exhortation, admonition, encouragement, 4) consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment, a) thus of the Messianic salvation (so the Rabbis call the Messiah the consoler, the comforter)

   The life of a Christian is a difficult one. The Christian is called by God to be separate from the world (Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:17). God tells us that the Christian life will be difficult (Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-19). I understand you are not saying “WOW I love this promise!” right now, but hold on. In this life trials will come as the Bible states in many places such as: Romans 5:3, Romans 12:12, 2 Corinthians 1:4, just to name a few. You see our verse today tells us that we must suffer in this life as Christ suffered in this life. As a matter of fact the verse says that “the sufferings of Christ abound in us”. Make no mistake about it if you are living a separated, holy life for the Lord suffering WILL come.

   Now that I have you completely depressed about living for the Lord, let me say that this verse does not end there. Can I hear a PRAISE GOD!! I know that’s what I’m saying. The “bad news” is done let’s move on to the “good news”. “Our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” God says that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He also tells us to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us. God tells us time and time again throughout the Bible how valuable we are to Him. Sin stained sinners are important enough to God that He would send Jesus, His only begotten son, to Calvary to die a shameful, bloody death. Those who receive Christ as personal Lord and Savior are important enough to God that He lifts them out of the miry pit of sin, sets them on a solid rock and makes them a child of the King. He does not stop there He makes us joint-heirs with Christ, builds a whole new city, actually a whole new world, to live in and that is only the tip of the iceberg. This verse in particular says that “Our consolation aboundeth by Christ.” You see when we go through a trial, which will come, we can summons Christ for help and He will come to our side. He will exhort, admonish, encourage, console, comfort, and refresh us. In Christ we can find solace. “Why?” It is His nature He is “the Comforter”. He has sent the Holy Spirit also “the Comforter” to live in us, therefore we are NEVER comfortless. When you’re going through a tough spot remember 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “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.” Now that’s A Promise to Ponder.