“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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)
Ten minutes. That’s all it took. I’d received the call moments earlier that someone I loved was facing a miscarriage. I too had been there, and had once faced this unexpected loss.
I knew the pain of losing a child I’d never met, yet there was more. I had also experienced God’s grace and comfort. Another couple who understood what we were going through had come alongside us and shared in their grief. Simply knowing they had been there was a comfort. That, in turn, allowed me to openly share my pain with the God of all comfort. “Head knowledge” that God knew and cared became “heart knowledge” that He felt my pain and would bring comfort. In time, the knowledge that God, too, shared my pain allowed me to rest in His love.
So here I was, ten minutes after receiving the call, getting into my car to go to the side of this friend I loved. I was ready to simply listen and share her pain. God had prepared my heart with His comfort so that I was able to offer it to another.
What about you? It may not be miscarriage that you’ve faced, but I’m certain we’ve all faced difficulties and trials. What is yours? Is there some comfort, perhaps some hope or wisdom, that you’ve gained through it? Are you willing to allow God to use you to bring His comfort to someone in the days ahead? Can you say, “Here I am Lord, send me”?
Father, You are the God of all comfort. Looking back, I can see places where You have comforted my own heart. You are preparing me to be able to share that with others. Lord, I want to be able and available. “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Amen.
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