Bread Bite: Provide Comfort
As we continue our weekly series of encouraging words, here is your Southern Cancer Center Friday “Bread Bite”, brought to you by Pastor Chad Price from Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile, Alabama.
Pastor Chad-
Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, so it feels good to be writing you again! Thankfully, I am on the other side of it and have navigated the symptoms. The Lord was gracious to me and allowed my wife and I to regain our health in the midst of this very unpredictable ailment. I know, for so many others, the story doesn’t end so positively and we continue to pray for those affected by this terrible virus.
Today’s verse comes from II Corinthians 1: 3-4 and it says: “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.”
If going through this sickness has taught me anything, it’s to empathize with those around me who are suffering from it as well. Up until now, I have to say that the virus felt “other-worldly” and mysterious. To be honest, it really didn’t even feel real on some days. However, now that my life has been personally affected by this virus, I can say with certainty it is very real. It’s effects are very real and it is very scary. I’ve learned, though, that God wastes nothing and that will include this experience. Throughout the last two weeks the “God of all comfort,” comforted me in my tribulation. He was an “ever present help in time of trouble,” as the Psalmist says. I love the reciprocation in this verse in II Corinthians. The blessing of the comfort of God is not one to be kept close and internalized. It is something meant to be shared. I must now, in turn, be a help to others who are going through this sickness who may need encouragement during their trial with it.
Don’t be afraid to share in empathy out of your pain. Don’t let your experience be for nothing. The God of all peace was there for you in your darkest moments; now let Him shine through you. Share the hope that you’ve found with anyone who will hear it. Comfort as you have been comforted. You’ve been “blessed to be a blessing,” as the old saying goes. Never forget what the Lord has brought you out of and never forget to be His hands and feet to someone else. I can assure you, if we will all begin to do that in these painful days, we will see the change in our country that we are so desperate to see.