Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 1

In verses 3-11 you see the attitude of a man on fire the God. When someone is close to God there is just something about their outlook on life that allows them to see God in everything around them. Let's take a look at some of the things that Paul was struggling with:

• He suffered hardships in his ministry- v8.
• He and his brothers partners in ministry were under more hardship than they felt they could endure -v8.
• They hardship was so intense that they "despaired even of life" -v8.
• Their hearts felt like they were under a death sentence -v9.

But in the midst of all the negativity Paul sees God moving in his life and in the ministry.

• He calls God "The Father compassion and the God of all comfort." -v3.
• He explains that God comforts in all troubles, -v3.
• Paul says that because God comforts us we are able to comfort one another -v4.
• Paul teaches that sometimes our distress can bring comfort to others who also suffer -v6.

In our daily Christian walk it can be pretty tempting to show our thanks to God and give him praise when things are pleasant and care-free. But when distress comes the thankfulness and praise does not seem to flow as easily. As we grow as believers we should be more prone to notice God moving and working more and more in the unpleasant times.