The sufferings of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5-7, For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

We don’t much like this idea of affliction. We are used to living comfortable lives, and indeed that is something to be thankful for. Jesus asks us to take up our cross and to follow Him; indeed many in the first century suffered and died for their faith. How amazing that even though afflictions may come from following Christ, His grace provides comfort.

We pray for those in other places that are afflicted in the name of Jesus, that they may receive Your abundant comfort.