I'm on holiday, so gloriously have a bit of extra time to write and reflect. A friend recently reminded me that 2 Corinthians is a letter that should be regularly revisited, particularly by those in full-time paid gospel ministry. She was right - I find it a treasure trove of encouragement and recalibration. It's written to a church that is probably a bit battered and bruised. They've seen Paul & Timothy "afflicted" (1:8) pretty continuously in their mission around Asia, for believing and proclaiming Jesus. Is this what life is like for those who do the same? Are these Christian poster boys really the real deal, and can we trust them? Of course, the same question is so often on our lips today. What can a Christian expect a life of ministry (the life every Christian has a part in!) to look like? Now is not the time to go into great depth, but here are my two reflections on the first few verses in chapter 1 (you can read along here ). God is a comforter How r...