You can listen to this sermon at http://www.pastorrickypowell.com/life_matters_with_pastor_/2009/11/recycling-personal-pain-comfort-one-another.html

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7(NKJV)

I. I am in the hands of a good God (vs 3).

A. He is the God of redemption.

B. He is the God of compassion.

C. He is the God of consolation.

II. I am to be a conduit of comfort (vs. 4).

A. I experience God’s comfort.

B. I am to express God’s comfort.

III. I will experience God’s comfort in proportion to my pain (vs. 5).

A. We can recognize the source of our suffering. (sufferings of Christ)

B. We can rely on the sufficiency of our consolation.

IV. Others can profit from my pain (vv. 6-7)

A. It teaches them endurance.

B. It gives them confidence. Life Truth: God comforts me so I can comfort you.