God Of All Comfort
BRD REFLECTION 2026
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 and Psalm 31:9-13 (NIV)
(Barnabas Ng from Discipleship and Nurture)
READ:
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
“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 may 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
Suffering is a taboo word that Christians would rather avoid. It is often seen either as a punishment from God or His way to get our attention. Likewise, during Paul’s ministry with the Corinthians, his opponents tried to use his suffering to undermine his authority. Paul countered their accusations by replying that:
- God is the source of all comfort (v. 3)
- Our suffering is not a punishment but is designed to equip us to help others (v. 4)
- Suffering redirects our dependence on self to God (v. 9)
- God’s deliverance happens repeatedly (v. 10)
APPLY:
At times, when I am going through trials or affliction, I find myself crying, questioning and even finger pointing. Ultimately, I break down, look up and acknowledge that I need God to help me see through the darkness. It was not always a short nor easy journey, yet I will never want to turn back the clock and undo those moments. For through those times, God comforted me and enabled me to be an instrument to those in need.
DO:
From Paul I have learnt to:
- Look up and not be downcast. Turn to God in my distress and develop my spiritual habits through prayer and reading so that I can cultivate my awareness of God’s comfort for me.
- Be equipped. Suffering has relational and communal value; it allows me to use my experience to help others.
- Hope – when I recall various moments where help or provision was provided in my time of need, my faith is strengthened to help me overcome new trials and tribulations.
- Pray for others intentionally. People struggle alone because they are hesitant to burden others. I want to build a community that allows people to share without guilt or judgement. I want to be sensitive to the people around me so that I can be used as an instrument of blessing.
PRAY:
Thank You God for the past trials and for any future trials that might come my way. For I know that through all these, You are better equipping me to be used by You for the furtherance of Your kingdom. And thank You for giving me the assurance that Your deliverance and Your comfort will be with me always in all circumstances. Amen.
