Comfort in times of trouble

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

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 receive from God.

Recently I discovered that a friend of mine is facing a challenging time.  They received and unfavorable doctor's report. What do you when the doctor's report is unfavorable and you feel overwhelmed?  What do you do as a friend?  How can you help?

While the magnitude of what's happening hasn't quite resonated with me, I know the one thing to do is to trust God.  We can trust that He will be our comfort  so that we can comfort others.  We can trust in HIs word that says in Isaiah 43:2 ,"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." No matter what we face God is with us.  He will see us through.  He will see my friend and your loved ones through.  

I have no clichés or fancy words for my friend.  All I can say is that I am praying for you and with you. And then do just that and leave the heavy lifting up to God who is able.  I am there to be a sounding board if need be, an encourager.  I can't fix it.  I can't make it go away.  But I have to believe that God has a plan and even in this God is good.

Lord,  I don't understand everything, but I know that You are in control.  Stand by friend and others who are going through troubled times. Let them feel Your presence and Your love.  Help us as family members and friends to trust in You and Your ways.  In Jesus name.  Amen