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FINDING AND GIVING COMFORT – HOPE FOR THE HURTING

Stepping Stones Devotional

That we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3,4

We call this phenomenon ‘Beauty from Ashes.’

Comfort makes me think of soft blankets, hot cocoa, and a good book. Comfort foods are those delights which make of us think of hearth and home, a peaceful, safe place where all is right in the world. Comfort in the context of giving care is a delight of another kind. This form of comfort extends love and empathy by coming along side the other person to give support in any way it can.
How so?

Comforting others is unscripted action. It may be listening on the phone to someone under stress, or sending encouraging notes to bring cheer, or delivering flowers at just the right time by responding with immediacy when the crisis occurs.  All of these are ways we make contact with people who are in need of comfort. They speak easy, to say, I care.

In the midst of severe trials or life-changing afflictions it may seem hard to believe that the area of sadness we are now experiencing may one day be used to help another person. The misfortunes which have been the hardest for us often provide opportunities to connect with other people undergoing similar circumstances. We know what they are feeling and we have earned the right to be heard. They will listen to us because we have been there, walked a mile in their shoes. There are many descriptors of this phenomenon: beauty from ashes, joy comes in the morning, the sun will rise again. Each phrase contains a measure of hope something to encourage a person’s thoughts when the day is dark and sorrow has gripped the heart.

God intends for us to respond by reaching out to him. This is especially true when we find ourselves buried in an avalanche of despair–the sun lost to us and far away–the day dark and miserable. Trust is learned in this place. Faith increases as we yield to God. In all of these things there is a divine purpose, one we cannot fully comprehend at the time but nevertheless will come to fruition. The inner changes we make during the long-suffering will stay with us forevermore.
Be comforted and then comfort one another.

Dear Father God, the days are long, full of suffering and pain. Use these days to teach me that I may one day use this as an opportunity to comfort someone else in need.

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