the comforters ...

Good Morning –

I pray all is well and that you have had a blessed week

Hard to believe we almost to the end of February

Where is the time going?

It is moving so fast that it almost makes you want to pause –

                to find comfort in a slower pace and to rest

Funny thing is, though, even when I have the opportunity to sleep in,

Here I am – up at 4AM on a Saturday

As soon as I arise – lately – my very first thoughts are of the LORD

And the next thoughts go to all who are facing challenges in this fast- paced world,

                to those who seek comfort and strength for their journey

Yet you cannot think only of the ones needing comfort

Someone has to meet that need

Where are the comforters?

We know Jesus is our Ultimate Comforter –

He is our High Priest, able to sympathize with our weakness,

                for He was in always tried and tested Himself [Heb. 4:15]

And, as part of the triune nature of God, I know He is Omnipresent,

                Everywhere at the same time

We know – without doubt that the LORD has comforted us in our journey

The famous poem ‘Footprints’ captures it perfectly, noting the LORD’s reply to one of His hurting children: “My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Such a stunning depiction of grace, provision, mercy, protection and COMFORT –

Even still, there are countless individuals who have cried out the LORD in the midst of trial,

‘LORD, do you not care that we are perishing?’

‘Why LORD do you stand afar off? Why do you hide Yourself in time of trouble? Psalm 10:1

‘How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide your face? Psalm 13:1

Yet, in every instance, comfort was supplied

The Comforter responded with gentle but unmistakable assurance,

‘I AM HERE …’

However, sometimes as human beings walking this earth,

                We need ‘Jesus with some skin’

This is where you and I come into the picture

The LORD desires that we would demonstrate similar levels of love and commitment,

                of support, of caring and of comfort which He has shown us

‘Let this mind which was in Christ Jesus, also be formed in you.’ Philippians 2:5

Let this heart of compassion and willingness to be a comfort to those in need,

be formed in you

You see –

The LORD God Almighty does not comfort us solely that we would be comforted, but that we would become comforters

Sometimes, the circumstances can be so intense that it is overwhelming;

Indeed, even Jesus questioned during His most severe time of trial,

‘Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?’

‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’  Matthew 27:46

We all need comfort from time to time –

And there are countless opportunities for you and I to:

§  Pay close attention to those in need

§  Be present during their times of challenge – to not stand far away

§  Let people know they are remembered and that someone cares

I would challenge you –

Think on all the ways the LORD has provided you comfort,

                Whether by His Spirit or by sending comfort you way.

Then make a decision to partner with Him and to:

Be His hands and heart in the earth,

Be mindful of those needing comfort,

Make a firm commitment to becoming a comforter

I promise –

You will not ever regret being ‘Jesus with some skin’ to someone who is hurting

Have a Blessed Day!

‘Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.’

II Corinthians 1:3-4