The Source Of All Comfort

The Source Of All Comfort

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

When our son, David, was born, he had a double cleft lip and palate. We grieved for the pain and surgeries we knew he would have to endure. But we also knew that God had given him to us for a special reason—even though at the time we didn’t know what it was.

David’s first two years of life were full of doctors’ visits, hospitals, IVs, and surgeries. During that time, Karen and David bonded in a deep and meaningful way. Not only was Karen his mother, but she was also his protector, nurse, and voice when he had none.

After the last major surgery for his palate, the plastic surgeon mentioned that he often met with young parents who would soon be going through the same things we’d just finished. He asked Karen if she would be willing to meet with them and share her experiences. Being the giving soul that she is, she emphatically said, “Yes, of course!”

When the plastic surgeon called occasionally with the details of a new patient, Karen would arrange to meet with the young parents and their baby. Whenever she went on those visits, she took David with her as a living sign of hope for the parents to see that, in a few years, their babies would be healed as well.

Usually during these visits, Karen shared David’s story and comforted and reassured the parents. Most visits ended with prayer for the parents and their baby—that God would give them all strength and courage to face the battle ahead.

I marveled at how Karen was able to comfort others, but I also knew the reason why—God had first comforted her. Because of her experience, she knew what others in the same situation needed. She was a willing vessel ready to pass on God’s comfort to those who needed it most.

TODAY’S RX

If you need comfort, seek God, the source of all comfort. If you see others who are struggling, share your struggles. Empathy can be a great source of comfort.

Father, you’ve shown me your faithfulness time and again by comforting me during tough times. Help me to live out your example and be a comfort my friends and family.