The God of All Comfort

Our church has a reputation in the community of meeting financial needs for those who are seeking assistance. Our policy requires individuals to attend a service and meet with the board and pastor to discuss their request following that service.

In the middle of our Sunday evening service a woman came into the sanctuary. It was obvious that she felt very uncomfortable but remained in the service to the end. Following the service she made her way to the front of the church. I was on the platform gathering my music from praise and worship and watched as she approached my husband. My heart broke into zillions of pieces as I stood there listening to her. The pain in her eyes was so obvious. Questions raced through my mind. What decisions in life brought her to this place? What has happened in her life to cause her so much pain and guilt? What does her future hold if she chooses to continue on this same path? All these things just continued to race through my mind as God opened the door for my husband and I to minister too her.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (NIV). 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

This scripture text is so awesome. How many times have we gone before the Lord troubled, stressed and heartbroken to find God was our comfort? How many times have we felt alone and discouraged but God was our comfort? He provides all that we need when we need it. We realize that because we are Christians but what about those who do not know the Lord? What about those who are struggling through life day after day not knowing where their source of comfort can be found?

We prayed for the young woman and encouraged her in the things of Christ. We invited her to church on Easter giving her all the details of the day and satisfied her financial need. I hugged her and told her that we would be praying for her and were available if she needed to talk further. She has been on my heart continually since I left church Sunday evening.

Just like this lonely and desperate woman, there are so many lost people wondering aimlessly in our world today. These people are facing desperate times because of bad choices they have made over the years. We may be the only comfort these folks ever see. We have such an incredible responsibility to show others Christ through us.

Easter Sunday is quickly approaching and for many folks this is one of the Sunday's this year they will attend church. I am praying for an incredible day in Jesus at altars all over this country as the Word of God is preached from the pulpits.

Blessings to you today!