Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Comfort in the midst of trials.

Bible Reading: : 2 Corinthians 1 :3-10  

Key verse:  

Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:10 ‘ He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again ( New English Translation) 

DEVOTION

The devotional today from 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 is one of the Pauline Epistles that offers for us, powerful view  into Paul’s personal experiences, theological reflections, pastoral care and above all the resurrective power of Almighty God. 
Paul praises God as the Father of mercies and God who is the comforter to all, and these are attributes of the character of God. As Believers, we experience God’s comfort during tribulation and we in turn are asked to extend that comfort to others experiencing trails and tribulation. This becomes a potent weapon for us as believers, as we support each other during a time of need. As we further read, we see an important theological concept emphasized by Apostle Paul, whereby the suffering of believer is linked to the sufferings of Christ. This unique connection affirms the fact, that our sufferings in our Christian life is not meaningless and is part of sharing the life and mission of Christ Jesus.  Paul adds the testimony of his personal afflictions and how that will go a long way for the salvation of many in the Church at Corinth. 
Paul goes on to narrate in the subsequent verses, personal experience in Asia which went beyond his personal ability to endure the crises. The crises however served a divine purpose, to shift Paul ‘s reliance from himself to God who raises the dead and brings them to life. The resurrective power of Christ is fully manifested as God provides the deliverance in the crises they endured.  The deliverance they experienced, not only validates God’s faithfulness but also fully underscored the power of prayer and intercession among believers. 
As we reflect on today’s devotion, we get to experience firsthand Paul’s reflection on personal sufferings, the redemptive purpose of trials and God’s boundless mercy and grace. Additionally, Paul’s reliance on the resurrective power of God is a powerful testimony for each of us when during crises, where we are no more dependent on our strengths and abilities but to trust in God’s resurrection power, even during life-threatening challenges. 

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord, allow us to realize we are weak by ourselves, and we deeply rely on the comfort and power that God provides for us daily, this we pray in Jesus Precious Name – AMEN.

Thought for the DAY

I am the Resurrection and the Life, he believes in me will live even if he dies . St. John 11:25


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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