The Christian life and ministry is about moving from sinful self-reliance and toward a greater God-reliance. And God uses adversity and sufferings for Christ to produce in us this greater reliance upon himself. So suffering and comfort not only authenticates our faith it also moves into a greater reliance upon God as our deliverer and hope. This is not a popular message, but it is the path to greater comfort and hope as we walk in Jesus' footsteps.