by Pastor Rich Carlson

After Paul fled Ephesus following a riot, he landed in Macedonia about two weeks later. Here he penned the second letter to the believers in Corinth some time around AD 57.

Three highlights spring from the first chapter:

• The purpose conflict has in my life.
     • Conducting myself so that conflicts can have a positive effect.
     • The commitment and faithfulness of God as I experience conflicts.

Second Corinthians 1:4 tells me that God will comfort me in my conflicts and troubles so that I can be a comfort to others. Paul even goes so far as to say that the “distresses of life” come for the “comfort and salvation” of others (1:6). As I learn lessons of patience and trust, I will be equipped to share that with others.

The second reason Paul gives for these difficulties in life is so that whatever happens, I will not rely on myself but on God (1:9). I conclude from this chapter that conflict in life comes for two reasons: so I can comfort others and so I will learn not to rely on myself but on God.

Verse 12 tells me that this will only make sense if I can honestly say that I conduct myself with the holiness and sincerity that come from God.

Making sense of the tough spots in life can only happen when I decide to follow Jesus with my whole life. I may not have reached that level of success, but I am committed to it. God likes our commitment, our decision to serve Him with all our hearts in “holiness and sincerity,” and He honors that by helping us bring good even out of the bad this world throws at us.

Verse 21 and 22 tell us of God’s commitment and faithfulness:
     • He anoints us
     • He sets His seal of ownership on us
     • He puts His Spirit in our hearts
     • This guarantees what is to come.

God did it for Paul, He offered it to the believers in Corinth, He’s doing it in me, and I know He’s willing to do it in you too. The guarantee is there, God is faithful to our faithfulness, even to help sort out the conflict, the trouble, the distress in our lives.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.