5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Paul admitted to times of struggle and discouragement when he and his team poured their lives out only to experience ridicule and rejection. He also wanted his readers to realize that God takes us through these times, often by the support of fellow believers. In fact, he wanted them to realize that God had used them in this way when Titus had brought them encouraging news about what was happening their. They were told that rather than being angry with Paul's rebuke they were moved to mourn and be reconciled with him. This changed Paul's demeanor from one of expecting the worst at every turn to one of hope. There are times God may move us to call, write, or even visit someone and we are not sure why - or may even would rather not. God has a reason; He may use you to be the encouragement someone else needs.
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