(by pastor Jean)

In 2 Corinthians 1:3 God the Father is described as the God of all comfort (paraklesis). This word can also mean encouragement as the Amplified Bible translates it in 2 Cor 1:4, “who comforts and encourages us.” God comforts and encourages us so we can, “comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble” (2 Cor 1:4; AMP). Verse 5 of the same chapter goes on to say that the comfort or encouragement of Christ is more than enough to enable us to endure what we have to. None will go through life without difficult times. The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Ps 34:19; NKJV). Jesus told His disciples that because they lived in the world, they would have tribulation and suffering but they could be encouraged because He had overcome the world” (John 16:33). David said that even though we go through “the valley of the shadow of death” God is with us. Moses told the children of Israel that “It is the Lord your God that goes with you. He will not fail you nor abandon you” (Deut 31:6; AMP) (See also Heb 13:5). Jesus encouraged His disciples by saying, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20; NLT). Finally, Isa 41:10 gives us great encouragement whatever we may be going through, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT).