Unusual God - Part 5 [Devo]

Go Deeper | Unusual God - Part 5
God Can Give You Comfort
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In 2015, my whole world was turned upside down. While my family was on a trip in Florida, my husband noticed that his neck was swollen. When we returned home, he went to Urgent Care, and after several more doctor’s visits and tests, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. We were shocked and devastated. Things were going so well in our lives… We had a good marriage, a sweet 2-year-old son and we were financially stable. And then all of a sudden, we were lost. Two questions came to our minds: “Why did God allow this to happen to us?” and “Why is God allowing us to suffer?”

In Sunday's message, Pastor Tim talked about suffering. He reminded us that no one has suffered like God has, and in turn, no one can comfort like He can! Thankfully, my husband is doing well today. He is currently getting an antibody treatment that has no side effects and is able to do all of the things he always loved to do. But because of my husband’s story, we are now able to comfort others and be encouraging to them. We are now able to say, “I’ve been there. I know what you are going through. I know how heartbroken and disappointed you are, but God has got this. God can give you peace in this trial.”  

Before, when I would hear a person has cancer, I would pray for them but wouldn’t think much more about their situation. Now, because of my suffering, I can feel the flurry of emotions that they and their families are feeling, and I can give them a word of encouragement. I feel like I can comfort them because I have suffered in the same type of situation.

I often think about 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. It says, “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.” How relieving it is that God can use our trials and suffering to bring comfort to others!

Pastor Tim brought up four important things to remember about suffering:
Suffering makes us stronger, keeps us humble, provides an opportunity to connect with other people, and reminds us that this is not our eternal home.  

Who in your life is suffering? Maybe someone you know received a devastating diagnosis, is having financial trouble, or is having trouble in their marriage or with their kids and needs comforting. Don’t be afraid to share your story. Maybe God wants to use your situation to bring someone else peace or give them hope. A simple text of, “How are you doing? I've been praying for you,” can make a big impact in a person’s life. I encourage you this week to reach out to someone who needs a friend.  

Author: Katie Lemley, Ministry Team Administrative Coordinator