Father of All Mercies

2nd Corinthians 1:3-11

            Suffering has always posed a problem for mankind.  Whether it be disease, accident, trial, temptation, abuse, or death – whatever the suffering those enduring it ask, “Why me?”  Many   times I have tried witnessing to people only to have them ask, “Why does God allow suffering to exist?”  I try to explain that it is sin and not God that is the cause of all trouble.  Very often I discover that they have hardened their hearts toward God because of some perceived assault.

            The greater tragedy occurs when you find a believer blaming God and refusing His fellowship because of some tragedy or trouble.  The way a Christian handles adversity reveals his level of commitment and understanding.  Look at Paul’s example for instance.  There was a price on his head – the Jewish authorities wanted him taken into custody so that they could stop him spreading the Gospel.  Clement of Rome noted that Paul had suffered bonds seven times.  Ultimately, he was forced to endure imprisonment and death for the things he believed.  Still he endured.

            In my own experience, I have found God to be exactly as He claims:

1. He is the Father of all mercies (vs. 3).  The word mercies means compassion, pity, and mercy.  It means looking upon people in need and having compassion on them.  You will notice that God is represented as a compassionate Father.
2. He is the God of all comfort (vs. 3).  The Parakletos comes along side to help and enables us to endure

It is a great blessing to know that nothing (unless we permit it) has the power to steal our hope, joy, or peace.  I cannot tell you how many times I have returned to this passage through the years.  These words have preserved my sanity and peace when I have faced some difficulty with my ministry, some unfair persecution, sickness and depression, the death of a loved one, or any cause of distress.

Like Paul, we have had our deliverances:

I.                   Threefold Deliverance

A.     Troubles in the past

1.      From being lost and in danger of judgment

2.      From the ravages of sickness and poverty (whooping cough, measles, mumps (twice), kidney stones, etc.)

3.      From the slanderous lies of our enemies

B.     We are presently being delivered

1.      From a thousand unseen dangers – Satan would have your all but for God’s safe keeping

2.      From the specter of crime, violence, and disease suffered by others

3.      From temptation and sin that would enslave the mind and destroy the body

C.     We may expect deliverance in the future

1.      Kept safe from Satan’s attack

2.      Safe from the fears associated with age, infirmity, and death

II.                 Suffering Has A Purpose

A.     God uses suffering to stir believers (vs. 6)

1.      To offer consolation and hope

2.      To keep the faith.  When we are tempted to give up or quit we often find encouragement in another’s example.

3.      To stir endurance.  We may be the aforementioned example

B.     Proving God’s love to us

- Suffering is a part of life.  It is going to occur whether we are ready or not.  Having the right attitude can make all the difference in determining whether we remain in our misery or overcome it.