I hate to run. I know some of you love it. I wish I was one of you, but I am not. Running takes many forms. Runners that run track events are sometimes not content to do it the easy way. They are not content to just run around the track as fast as possible. They insist on having barriers in the way that require jumping over. Yep, hurdles. Ouch, it hurts when you trip over them. Some, however, are amazing at this event. They can glide over hurdle after hurdle, extending outward, while barely jumping upward. The momentum gained running carries the runner over the hurdle. Can the same be true of the hurdles we encounter in life?
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction,[a] so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Affliction (more commonly known as “suffering”) is our greatest enigma. We simply cannot understand that becoming a Christian does not erase suffering. I am not sure why we think this. Clearly the Bible describes struggle and suffering on nearly every page. Why then are we surprised when we encounter pain or opposition? Why do we see these hurdles as insurmountable walls rather than a bump to be carried over by momentum? We see Paul, Peter and James experiencing and addressing opposition in the letters they wrote to believers in various places. We also see them proclaim peace, hope, love, joy and victory.
Affliction does not come without comfort. We are comforted by God and by each other. We bring comfort to others when we bring our presence and God’s presence. We have access to God and His presence because we have been redeemed and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are no longer far from Him, but have been brought near.
What then are we do to? Seek God’s presence. Look inward and look around you. You are surrounded by other believers. Do not pass up the opportunity to live your life in community with others. Sure, they can be annoying. I am not perfect, but shouldn’t you be? We find so much fault with other believers. We are not willing to admit we are just as bad. I know from experience how very blessed I am to have my church family and extended church family. The many who have comforted me, prayed for me and laughed with me are an invaluable gift.
My challenge to you? Go and find someone to comfort. Go and find relationships that will be intact when you need comfort. Seek God’s presence. Seek to bring God’s presence in to the life of those around you.