A person who has been through suffering can identify with those who are in suffering. Paul said here "our hope for you is firm". When h saw the suffering of brothers and sisters, he was not filled with anger or complain, but filled with a firm hope. This is because he knew that these brothers and sisters who were suffering, would experience the comfort of Christ, just as he did.
Paul himself has been through this experience. When he was persecuted for preaching in Acacia, he was imprisoned and almost put to death. He said they were under great pressure to the point they were despaired even of life. But God is rescued him and his companions, and he experienced the deliverance of God in the midst of suffering, As such, Paul understood what suffering meant, and had firm hope that God could bring comfort in the midst of suffering. Hence, in verse 10 he says "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. Verse 10 says, "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril." This refers to the redemption he has paid for us on the cross; "He will deliver us" refers to how our bodies will be transformed into the glorious bodies like the Lord's and we may dwell with Him forevermore. Not only so, God will continue to deliver us from powers of darkness. Have you experienced the shadow of darkness in your life? Sometimes it is the pride and resentment in your heart, sometimes it is the generational curse that is passed down in your family and sometimes it is the persecution in your surroundings. But do not forget that the Lord can save you and me, even if you are caught up in the vicious cycle of sin. When you cry out, the Spirit of God will be able to deliver you and rescue you. Cry out to Him today!
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