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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
Two families I know personally are in need of God’s comfort at this time. One family suddenly lost a father/grandfather this past weekend. The gentleman went to sleep and woke up in the arms of Jesus. Another family lost a daughter/a wife/and mother when a lady from our church received her call to go to heaven.
Both of these families are caught in the grieving process. The Bible tells us we are not to grieve as those without hope. As Christians, I know we should be relieved that these people’s struggles are behind them but we do miss them when they are not with us.
My hair stylist, K, grew up across the street from us. Her mother, M., went home to heaven almost six years ago; K. remarried a little over two years later. My husband and I received an invitation to the wedding. Due to his health issues, I attended by myself. That morning, I was sort of sad because K’s mother wouldn’t be there. Then I had the thought that M. was in K.’s cloud of witnesses watching from heaven.
As the pastor began the service, he spoke of three family members, the groom’s parents and K.’s mother, who were watching from that cloud of witnesses, tears ran down my face, tears of joy and wonderment. God had spoken to me about this very thing. I know the couple believed what the pastor said. I know every believing person in the service did also. I found comfort I needed that day. I have looked at the loss of lives differently since then.
We need the Lord’s comfort when we have been wronged, when our children hurt, when we or our spouses experience injury or illness. Sometimes we need His guidance to get us through. Other times, we need to feel God’s touch on our lives, a way that we know that we are not alone in our circumstance. God’s Word tells us of His comfort to His children.
Words from David
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4. NLT)
David speaks of going through murky times as going through a dark valley. He also speaks of not having fear because of God’s presence beside him.
Words from Paul
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)
Paul tells us that we receive comfort from God and His people in order for us to be His hands and feet when we see someone in need of solace.
Words from John
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, NIV)
John speaks of a time when God will live with us in the New Jerusalem. He will allow us to look into His face as he gently brushes away each tear. God isn’t selfish with the comfort He gives; He wants His children to emulate Him and console those who hurt.
Ways to Comfort
1. Pray for those who hurt.
2. Fix some food for them.
3. Spend time with them talking about fun things.
4. Take their children for a while.
5. Send them an encouragement card.
6. Plan an outing with them.
7. Do their dishes.
8. Run their sweeper/ Mop their floors.
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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