Comfort from God; Comfort for Others (1 Thessalonians 3:6-7)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7

Yesterday, I looked at how wonderful it is that we Christ-followers encourage and pray for each other. Today, it’s all about comfort.

Each of us goes through our own peaks and valleys, and when we hit bottom, the best comfort comes from those who have walked similar paths. And then we in turn can comfort others.

Paul said it well, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (NKJV, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  I especially like the Contemporary English Version’s paraphrase of verse 4: “He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.”

I know this is true in my life. God has given me such great comfort through the valleys of my life, and I am so blessed to be able to comfort others.

I’ve held the hand of a young woman crying because she isn’t pregnant. I’ve led a small group of women who are married to men who don’t share their faith. I’ve hugged those who suffer from physical pain.

It’s such a privilege to know God uses me to comfort others.  Just as He has comforted me.

Valleys and Mountaintops (Philippians 1:12-14)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

I in no way compare myself with the apostle Paul, but I do kind of relate to these verses. As I look back over my life, I can see how God has used the difficult times to encourage others. When I speak, I often talk about my experiences with abuse, infertility, and living with chronic pain. And invariably, several women come to me to tell me how they were encouraged by my story.

I’m sure it’s the same for you. If you’re a cancer survivor, you’re uniquely gifted to lend a shoulder to cancer patients. If you’ve lost a loved one, you can empathize with the grieving in a way that many of us could not. If you’ve prayed a wayward teen back to the arms of God, you can encourage other parents.

No, the “things that happen” to us aren’t always pleasant or joyful or peaceful. We will walk through valleys. But God will—if we let Him—use even the most painful times for good (Romans 8:28). Or as I wrote in my book, The Best Laid Plans:

… many times we can’t see God’s plan until we have the perspective of hindsight. I know from my own experience that what seemed so awful, so painful, so heartbreaking at the time, always resulted in growth, in maturity. I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the times of challenge.

She couldn’t possibly know what I’ve been through, you’re thinking. I’ve experienced real evil, and she’s telling me that God promised plans without evil. Sounds contradictory at best—and a lie at worst.


… You’re right. I don’t know your life. I don’t know your pain. I don’t know what you’ve cried out for from the deepest part of your heart. This is what I do know: There is always a reason for pain. Really. And it’s not because God is trying to punish you. It’s not because He enjoys watching you suffer. It’s not that God is reaping evil upon you. It’s not. Really.

Let me assure you of one very important thing. God loves you. He loves you. He loves you so much that He was willing to die for you…

Be assured: God is with you through the valleys just as He is on the mountaintops. And what a joy it is to know He’ll use our pain to encourage others and—maybe—even grow His kingdom.

Comforted with Presence (2 Corinthians 7:5-7)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

Have you ever felt as Paul did? Your flesh has no rest? You’re afflicted on every side? You have conflicts without and fears within? Have you ever felt depressed?

I’ve struggled with depression off and on for decades. At one point, I even had to go on anti-depressants. At that time, I wasn’t walking with the Lord, and because I’d pushed away many friends, I felt very alone. I had no one to offer me comfort.

Once I recommitted my life to the Lord, I finally received the comfort my heart craved. And since then, I’ve established relationships that also give me great comfort.

I have no issues with medical help when one is dealing with depression, and professional counseling can be critical. But I don’t think that’s enough. One of the most important ways to handle difficult times is seeking the comfort that only comes from a relationship with the Lord. And by being surrounded by friends and family who can offer physical, tangible comfort ... just as Paul was comforted by the presence of Titus.

Comfort ... A Reason for Suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

I would give a lot to live without constant pain and fatigue. I would love to wake up one morning and feel well. It would be a pretty amazing thing …

But that doesn’t seem to be God’s plan. Oh, I’ve prayed for healing. Others have as well. And I believe with all my heart that God could take my pain away, but for reasons known only to Himself, He does not.

So, since He hasn’t healed my earthly pain, I’ve had to make a choice: wallow in the pain or see a greater purpose in it. And I choose the latter.

That’s why I love verses like today’s. There is a purpose in pain. For me, one purpose is that it keeps me focused on God. I know I can’t handle it on my own. Those mornings when I wake up and it’s all I can do to even get out of bed? I immediately ask the Lord for strength, just to get through that day. And He does.

The other purpose is that I’m able to comfort others who deal with health issues. I can offer a shoulder or a hug. I can give advice based on my own experience. I can pray with them and for them.

There’s nothing quite like having someone who’s experienced something similar to what you’re going through. While my wonderful husband loves me and wants to help me, he really doesn’t “get it.” And I’m glad he doesn’t because I wouldn’t want him to live with the pain I do.

So when I need a bit of comfort myself, I tend to gravitate to others who can empathize. To those who say—and mean it—“I know what you’re going through.” Not a pity party, mind you … just a feeling that I’m not on this journey alone.

Yes, I’d love to be pain-free. But since I’m not, I can feel blessed because I know God is using my pain.

It’s not just about physical pain. Whatever you’ve experienced—abuse, infertility, divorce, addiction—God can use that experience to help and comfort others. You can directly impact the lives of those who are on similar paths to your own.

And that’s one of the greatest blessings.