2 Corinthians 7:5–7
5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
It is true!
I knew it by faith first, but I have since learned by experience, God comforts those that are cast down.
How does he do it?
Sometimes it is a verse from his Word that you read at just the right time and place in your life. There are times that it seems like strange coincidence that just what I needed was in my daily reading. My faith tells me that it isn’t fate but a part of the Father’s perfect plan.
Other times comfort comes like Paul mentioned in today’s reading.
He came into a new place and with that transition came fears and fresh struggles.
His flesh had no rest.
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
These new difficulties brought sleepless nights and stress filled days.
How did God comfort Paul in our text? He sent Paul help amid the unfamiliar by way of a familiar friend, Titus.
2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
God certainly can comfort those who are cast down without any assistance, after all he did create everything with just his Word, but he usually does it through his people. God could send Angels to minister to his cast down converts but typically he sends Christians instead.
God Often Comfort The Cast Down Through Christians
Recently, I have had a few Titus-like friends and family members come to my aid at just the right time. I am so thankful for them and for the God who sent them.
God uses people to pick up the fallen, comfort the troubled, care for the sick and dying. He has chosen to include us in his work. What an honor! What a responsibility!
2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
Titus comforted Paul because he had been consoled by others. The Corinthian church had responded positively to the message from God, so he came to Paul bringing a good report from the Corinthian congregation. He brought word of how God had worked in that church and how they were concerned for Paul having him in their hearts and prayers.
Do you see how comfort can spread?
Comfort from Corinth infected Titus so that he could pass it on to Paul. We have learned recently the contagious nature of an awful virus but let’s learn from God’s Word that comfort is contagious too!
Let's spread it!