“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” Isaiah 66:13
In our culture comfort is revered. We are made to feel that we’re entitled to the good life of health, success, and happiness especially if we’re Christians.
Advertisements bombard us that say: Just take the right product, join the right group, say the right prayer; believe strongly enough and the good life will open up to you. Is it any wonder that this is the culture of ‘victim thinking’.
Jesus taught that pain and suffering are part of this life.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Having God on your side doesn’t mean having no storms in your life. It means having a boat no storm can sink. So true! When I experienced deep suffering that lasted for many years, I found great comfort in knowing that God was present and God was actively involved in choosing each adversity to be part of the life package He carefully and purposefully put together for me.
What is God doing in our suffering?
(1) God wants to reveal Himself to us in a deeper way. Suffering stretches our souls so that God can pour more of Himself into us. Suffering is the ‘dark room’ in which the picture of God is revealed.
(2) God sees potential in us which He wants to set free. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” writes James, “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-3).
(3) Suffering gives us a ministry. Suffering provides an opportunity to show the world that Christ is real. God wants people to be surprised at us– surprised that we can keep on believing– given what has happened to us. Persons, despite their pain, keep trusting God prove to the world the reality of God.
Knowing that God engineers all of life –including the suffering–gives tremendous comfort. Suffering is then measured by Someone who loves me deeply. Suffering is given with purpose and design. It all fits into the good plan that God has chosen for me.
Jesus, thank you for your promise:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8)
by Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Sweet Comfort – Devotional by Phil Ware
• Comfort in Times of Uncertainty – A Devotional by Idelette McVicker
• God and Comfort – Devotional by John Grant