2 Corinthians 1:4-5 He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we might comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Just as we share abound in the sufferings of Christ, so too do we abound in his comfort.
Milne likens the hardships of a foreign land to "sandpaper," profoundly revealing the spiritual function of suffering: it is meant to wear away the "chill" of our natural pride and elitism. Paul further points out in the passage that the comfort we receive in our suffering is transformed into the ability to serve others. A servant who has never been "crushed" by life often speaks words as cold as rusty iron. Only through experiencing scarcity and misunderstanding can our lives become soft and warm. Only when we are comforted by the Lord first can the cup we offer truly quench the thirst and suffering souls, allowing the truth to penetrate to the very marrow of our being.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for redefining my predicament through Miltiades' wisdom and Paul's teachings. Lord, forgive me for always trying to escape the "sandpaper" of life, mistaking trials for obstacles. In these frictions of misunderstanding and scarcity, polish away my self-righteousness, and let my life no longer be hardened. Lord Jesus, grant me Your comfort in my suffering, so that these experiences may become the anointing of service. May I not only provide resources, but also offer a gentle warmth "healed by the Lord," bringing Your love into the deepest cracks of people's hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.