Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
We have several friends that are suffering right now. A widower told us people assume that his grief should be easier because he’s a pastor. A girlfriend on chemo is dismayed by the many diet and treatment ideas people send her. Recently, our granddaughter was bitten by a pit bull and received multiple injections that EMLA cream only helped superficially. Many others are facing losses and diminishings invisible to us.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, not knowing what to say to or do for the suffering? Take heart and listen to today’s passage.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)
We don’t have to worry about being inadequate in the face of pain and suffering because we are! But our heavenly Father isn’t. He promises to use us to comfort others with His comfort. “But I haven’t lost a spouse,” you might say. Or “I’ve never had cancer” or “I’m not divorced,” “I’ve never been addicted.”
Suffering isn’t an equation where one side must equal the other to have any benefit. We aren’t called to be some kind of miracle EMLA cream. Instead, we lean into the promise, trust God’s comfort, and get going. We take risks to be present and listen without judgment or correction. We avoid impulsive words or actions that come from our own discomfort or need to “fix” the pain.
I’ve made many mistakes in ministry. I’ve minimized other’s trouble or grief or tried to force my solutions on their problems. It’s hard to sit in the house of sorrow for the long haul, isn’t it? Yet that is exactly what God does with us. How long has your healing taken? Mine is ongoing.
All praise to God, the God of all comfort in all kinds of trouble. His mercy never runs out. Lord, make us more like You.
For REflection:
- Who is someone you can prayerfully reach out to in their suffering? Find time to be present in their pain and see how God can use your loving presence with them.
* Place Mary and Joseph in the stable. The time has almost arrived for Baby Jesus to be born!
by Lisa Sinclair
