II Corinthians 1:6 “And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”
Paul explains that both their afflictions and consolations were for the benefit of the Children of God and the Lord’s Church. They willingly suffered many great tribulations at the hands of those who rejected the Lord and His Church, but the Lord mercifully consoled them. Whether they were being afflicted or being consoled, it was for the benefit of the Church. As the people observed their unwavering endurance in the midst of affliction, they were encouraged and emboldened to be steadfast themselves. As the people observed the Lord’s consolation, they were comforted in knowing that the Lord would also console them and save them from the ravages of the “antichrists” (I John 2:18) in their day. Similarly, today we have the opportunity to serve among “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who suffer many tribulations, yet they, over and over again, rise up and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) without wavering. As with the saints of Old, we can encourage others by being “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58) even while the storms of great tribulation are raging around us. So, let us pray that the Lord will graciously give us wisdom and strength to be encouragers even in the midst of great tribulation!