God of comfort

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Scripture always seems to meet us where we are. And where we are often shapes how we see a Scripture. It is truly a time when God can speak to us in a very personal way.
This passage in 2 Corinthians became very personal to me on April 16, 1999. On that Friday almost seven years ago, my mom was killed in a car accident. It is a moment I will never forget. The memory of that phone call from my dad will be etched in my brain for the rest of my life.
But there is an equally powerful memory stamped on my mind from that experience. Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 1 was one that has brought incredible comfort from that point through today. It provided an incredible peace that was a witness to power of God during my mom's funeral.
There were many people that commented to me about how peaceful and stong I appeared in the midst of tragedy. My answer time after time had nothing to do with me, but everything to do with God. He was my strength. He was my comfort. He was my Rock.
He still is all of those things and more. And over the last seven years, God has shown over and over again the meaning of this passage. God has allowed Michelle and me to use our tragedy (which also includes the death of Michelle's mom in July of 1999) to bring comfort to others who are suffering similar tragedies.
As we experience suffering in life, we must always ask this important question. God, how can I use this to minister to others?
Throughout His life, Jesus was all about serving others. And on the cross, during the ultimate suffering, Jesus was thinking about others.
"Father, forgive them."
In His time of suffering, Jesus wanted to bring comfort to others. And in the end, He has brought healing to people all over the world for generations.
We live in a "victim" culture where many people want others to feel sorry for them. How powerful of a witness will it be if we can escape that mentality and use our difficulties to help others? If we can find opportunities in our lives to use our struggles to comfort others, how many lives could we touch for the cause of the Christ?

shine!
Jason