God Is Our Comforter
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Times of transition and tragedy are not reserved for a few unfortunates. All of us have experienced unsettled or broken times in our lives. Even the path to discipleship has pain along the way. But our pain is not purposeless. God, who is rich in compassion and steadfast in sovereignty, uses all of our experiences, including the difficult ones, for growth, healing, and ministry.
In hard times, we have a Comforter. God comforts us in our trials with His presence, reminding us that we are not alone. He strengthens us with His peace, giving us hope toward a greater purpose. Whether we suffer the loss of a loved one, financial collapse, injustice, persecution, or some other difficulty, we can look to God as our Comforter. Our personal experiences of pain, when massaged in the comfort of God’s grace, often become our greatest platform for ministry. God brings us through our pain so we can encourage others who experience similar trials. The comfort He gives us in our own times of need becomes a powerful testimony for someone else. Allowing the Spirit of God to work in you during seasons of difficulty produces a greater work through you, ministering to others in their pain.
God comforts us because of His love toward us. Hard times help us see who He is – the most faithful Friend who comforts us in the midst of trials. In turn, we can show others that kind of comfort and testify to God’s faithfulness to see them through. Know that you are not alone! Experience God’s grace in the difficult times so you can share His grace with others. Even in pain, discipleship involves learning and growing, so you can help others do the same!
God, I thank You for Your peace, comfort, and extravagant love. You have brought me through incredible trials. I would have never made it apart from You. Help me see You in the midst of present pain and past scars. Use me to bring Your love and peace to others who face their own hurts. I exist for Your pleasure, to bring You glory. May the experiences of Your faithfulness in my life be used to help others find You in their pain. Open my eyes to see opportunities to comfort others in their troubles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr. Richard Mark Lee, McKinney, TX