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Somehow, even though we know that Jesus is our example. People tend to struggle with the thought that they are supposed to follow Him. "How could I be like that?" But when we look at the Apostle Paul, we get a sense that we are more capable of stepping into that lifestyle. He shows us how an individual who has been delivered from sin can rise up above trouble and the pressure that Satan lays up against him. So the Apostle Paul gives us some clear ideas on how we are able to rise up and have the kind of victories that he had. 

2 Cor. 1:1-4 "God is the God of all comfort." It is His plan to get that comfort over to you. Comfort is more than just patting someone's hands and saying, "Ah, everything is going to be alright." Some people want that kind of comfort. They go to counseling to get that type of comfort. They really don't want council, what they want is to pour out all of their problems at someone else's table and leave. They really don't want to hear something that is going to challenge change in them. They want to be able to do the same things that they have always done but get different results. That's the definition of "Insanity."  People generally don't want council, they want you to feel sorry for them. One particular morning when I was feeling down in the dumps, I remember looking to Taffy for some sympathy. I should have known better than that. She said, "Doug, you might as well believe God. It will take you just as much time to believe Him as it will to un-believe Him." 

In this passage, God is saying to us about comfort, "I have what you need to rise up and never have to live like you've lived before."  It's the kind of comfort that makes a difference in peoples lives. Notice it says, "Comfort us in our tribulation." Not, "Tribulate us in our comfort." God is not the God of all tribulation that will tribulate you in your comfort. No, no, no. He is not sitting on His throne saying, "You cannot be that comfortable and walk with me saith the Lord! Child, I love you, so get ready to tribulate." This is where religious spirits take over, and it is not indicative of our Father. 

God"s plan is to comfort you and energize you so that hardship, troubles, things that the devil has set up against you, will not overwhelm and overcome you; but that you will overwhelm and overcome them. Why? Because He is a God of all comfort. Now, that comfort has two purposes behind it:
1. He wants us to rise up out of our trouble. He does want us doing better. 
2. Comfort is given so that we would have what it takes to bring comfort to someone else when they are having trouble. 
Now, the word "comfort" means: to draw in, bring close. Through this, we can see how He comforts. He draws us near to Him. Ps 73:288 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Ps 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 
Isn't it great to know that we don't have to try and help people based on the experiences of our past. I don't have to have gone through what you're going through before I can begin to help you. It's not my personal experience that is going to help you. It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it's not my ability that I offer, It's the presence of God's ability. We don't have to draw from our strengths, talents or experiences. We only need to minister under the anointing of the Lord.