The Comforter Has Come

August 5, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“What a wonderful God we have – he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.” 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB

 

     Remember as a kid - a skinned knee, a bruised elbow or a busted lip, sent your mother running to your side to offer comfort and first aid? Mothers – what would we do without God’s most precious creation? She immediately kissed away the pain and bandaged the hurt all while convincing you everything would be all right now that she was there by your side.

 

     Yet, there are times when the comfort of a loved one - just isn’t enough. Those times, the hurt is so deep no human words seem to bring relief to the pain and no mere bandage can cover the colossal damage; like the death of a child, the sudden end to a much-wanted pregnancy, or the loss of a loved one.

 

     Those times seem to beckon for something far beyond human comfort - the comfort of the Savior - the only remedy. God really does provide aid unlike anything else to those who call upon Him in times of need. The trouble is that many people are just so busy blaming God for their troubles in the first place, they don’t realize how close He is and how much He wants to bring them comfort.

 

     The consolation our friends and family offer, can only feel good momentarily– and then it’s gone. God’s solace on the other hand, supplies a mysterious strength and a supernatural energy that lasts far beyond our immediate needs.

 

“You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement.”

2 Corinthians 1:5 TLB

 

     When the Bible talks about the comfort of the Savior, it describes a comfort of strength and refreshment. God is always near – simply a breath away. When He brings comfort, He is calling us to draw near to Him.

 

     Maybe God is calling you near right now in your time of trouble? Go to Him in prayer and through His Word. You will experience an unspeakable strength, sincere security and surrounding safety – unlike anything else this world can offer you.

 

     It doesn’t matter what you’re suffering through, God sees your hurt and is offering you His overwhelming love. Go ahead - snuggle up a little closer and feel His arms wrap around you to comfort you in every detail of your life. Nothing is too trivial for Him to handle. He cares about every aspect of your activity – every point of your passion – every factor of your failure – every element of your existence and every slice of your soul.

 

     Perhaps you need a gentle reminder of what He has already done for you. Take a moment to recall His touch to your life in the past and then allow Him once again to strengthen your faith in the now.

 

     Rather than using God to solve your problems, try using your problems to draw closer to God.  After all, it’s possible He allowed them into your life just so you would.

 

     Rest on these promises:

 

• God doesn’t promise you a life without difficulties – but He does promise that He will always be with you.
• Sometimes the most effective words of comfort to one in need – are no words at all – just your presence.
• God’s comfort doesn’t necessarily make you comfortable – but it will give you hope that tomorrow will be a better day with Him in it.
• God may choose not to give you comfort if it keeps you from doing what He wants you to do.
• God doesn’t need to remove your problem or change your situation just to bring you comfort.

 

     Remember that every trial you endure will later become an opportunity to minister to other people suffering similar hardships.

 

Heavenly Father,

 

      We are helpless without You. Sometimes, we wonder how we were able to trudge through the really tough times in our lives, but looking back, we realize, we didn’t – You simply scooped down to pick us up, then carried us through the rough spots. Thank You Lord. Please don’t ever leave our sides. We love you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan

 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14