God is the god of comfort, not of ease. We learn as much from what Paul doesn’t write, as from what he does. He doesn’t say, “God has left me to my suffering.” Or asked, “Where is God in the middle of my suffering? Paul had already settled those concerns, at least by the time he wrote this letter. He had learned to be content in all things, even win God didn’t whisk him away from suffering; he had learned to turn to God’s comfort, especially by leaning on God’s promises. That’s why God gives us promises after all, to help us see through the most trying and broken parts of our life; they comfort us. They remind us, God has something much greater in store.
This season, or the one around the bend, might not be easy, but while you’re asking God to remove your suffering, also ask him to remind you of his great promises (his comfort) even if he chooses not to.
