The great tragedy about trials is not going through them, but rather going through them and not learning anything from them.  God permits, and sometimes even sends, trials our way so that we can steward those trials.  2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”  Notice three principles from this verse:

The Principle of Suffering.  Paul used the word “tribulation” to describe the affliction we face as believers.  This word speaks of pressure, persecution, and pain.  The Christian life is not exempt from such sorrow.  We should not expect convenient Christianity.

The Principle of Solace.  The suffering we endure is met with the very solace of God.  We are comforted by the Lord Himself.  He is the God of all comfort.  Any comfort we may experience originates from the goodness and compassion of God.

The Principle of Stewardship.  We experience the comfort from God so that we will be able to comfort others who go through similar suffering.  The comfort we are able to extend to others is a direct result of the comfort we have first been given by God.  Because of the trial, we are better equipped to administer grace to those who need comfort.