Gracious and loving God, you are a paradox, a being with seemingly contradictory attributes that, when taken in total, combine to define a holy and righteous God of perfect justice. I’m struggling with how to be the second Corinthian servant you desire, sharing the comfort you give me to others in similar situations. In order to share your comfort, Lord, I must have received it. In order to have received it, I must have gone through trials that required your comforting. Father, please, I’m not asking for more trials, I’m recognizing their purpose and growing in my ability to thank you in the midst of them. Allow me to see the beauty you will make of the ashes among the embers of destruction. Show me the value and purpose you have for them. Give me the blessing of seeing the transition in others as I share my experiences and how you brought me through them. You purposed my past and now grant me the honor of serving others out of the brokenness you healed. Gratefully, I pray in the name and authority of Jesus, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
“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 ESV)