THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

2 Cor. 1:2-5

 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

 On one occasion I had the privilege of speaking to a group of people who had experienced the death of a child. It was a very special time. We ministered to one another. They came from various backgrounds with different stories to tell. One had a teen-age daughter who was taken from them, and one touching story was of a young couple whose six-year-old son died of cancer. We represented various age groups with diverse battles to fight and a variety of issues that come from the death of a child. Dr. Larry Lilly had donated a copy of his new book, Outrageous Forgiveness in 30 Days, to each family. It is a tremendous book and will be a blessing to many people. You may contact him at his email address: <BraveLML@aol.com>). I also gave them each a copy of our book, SUICIDE: How God Sustained a Family. We pray that God will use it to minister to other hurting hearts. If you would like to become involved in that program call 395-3138 or pmnewenhouse@yahoo.com   What a diverse group we represented.

While there may have been many things that were different among us, we all knew that the one thing that bound us together was the grace, mercy, and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. What do you say to hurting people? What can you do to comfort them? Is there anything that can help? These were all issues that we covered. But there was one common thread that bound us together and gave us hope, and that is the marvelous grace of our loving God. It is in those dark hours that we find light for our path and hope for our future. He is called the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:2) because He is the God of all grace (2 Tim. 1:2) Who extends to us His immeasurable mercy (Ps. 103:8-12). I know you are aware of the definitions; but grace is God giving us what we do not deserve, and mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve.

You may presently be going through one of those dark nights in your life. You may not be able to comprehend God’s purposes. You may wonder, Why? Why now? What else can come? These are all unanswerable questions. While we do not know all of the answers, we do have the right solution. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us, Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Not only has God given us grace and mercy, but He is also the great God of peace. Through the darkest hour of the night, and in the midst of the most severe storm, He has promised peace to those who put their trust in Christ, Who is called the Prince of Peace.

To those who are hurting, I beckon you to come to Him and trust in your great source of comfort. He is the God of love, grace, mercy, and peace (Titus 1:4).