Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so you are also of the comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:7 WEB
Paul suffered great trials and trouble for his service to the kingdom of heaven. He was beaten and whipped. He was stoned and imprisoned. Because of his trouble, some of the members of the church in Corinth questioned his goodness and fitness as a servant of god. They wondered if he was such a good representative, then why would he suffer so much opposition and difficulty.
If we remember the words of Christ, we recall that he said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. WEB’ Also, Christ said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. WEB”
The point of Paul’s words to the Corinthians stating “our hope for you is steadfast,” is to remind them that we participate in the suffering of our Lord while showing his support for those who suffer hardship and persecution. As we read in 1 Peter 1:14, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed: because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part, he is glorified. WEB”
Comfort and Peace
Today, like in Paul’s time, many Christians have the misconception that those who love God will live lives that are free from trials and suffering. Wisdom tells us that this is simply not true. The word of God makes clear that the faithful will experience trials and trouble. We will be partakers in the suffering of our Lord. But also, we receive his comfort and peace.
Remember the words of James 1:12 which reads, “Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. WEB” For each sincere Christian, our hope for you is the same as James and Paul. Our hope for you and for each of us is that we endure the trials of this life as we grow in understanding and obedience to the word and will of God. Sharing in the suffering of Christ, we endure our trials and resist temptation to receive the crown of eternal life.
Serving God
Paul suffered for his faith. But along the way, he also received the joy and satisfaction of service to the Lord. He writes to the Corinthians knowing that they will also encounter difficulties. He wants to encourage them that they will receive the comfort that he has received. Saying, “our hope for you is steadfast,” Paul wants to assure his readers that God will bring them through their trials and sustain them with the comfort of faith in our eternal reward just as the Lord has done for him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for helping me to mature in my faith. Thank you for bringing me through the trials of my Christian life. Give me wisdom and strength to endure. Give me patience to faithfully serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: In Peace I Will Lie Down
