08/29/2026
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in your endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–7, HCSB)
The Apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. He had endured much during his ministry. He had been imprisoned, beaten and left for dead, shipwrecked, rejected, and more. He encouraged fellow Christians, who were also suffering, Listen to what he said.
““If you love Me, you will keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor (Comforter) to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” (John 14:15–18, HCSB)
Jesus is the Eternal Son of God, who was with the Father in the beginning, and the One John said "was God." He has created all things and holds all things together by his power. Jesus was the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, who came and atoned for our sin through his own blood. He secured our eternal life by his resurrection.
One day, Jesus was teaching and said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”” (John 6:51, HCSB)
Most of the people turned and walked away because they didn't understand that Jesus was speaking in spiritual terms, and not advocating cannibalism. Jesus turned to his disciples and asked them if they were going to walk away as well. “Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!”” (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
You may be suffering at the moment. Maybe your life has dramatically changed in such a way that it will never be the same again. That can happen in an instant. A poor decision, a terminal diagnosis, abandonment, death, etc. The list goes on. You may see no hope at all.
Grief is a companion, not my friend. It walks with you all day, and never leaves. Jesus said, I will not leave you as orphans. You may feel that you are all alone and no one cares. You may become so overwhelmed that you feel like crawling into a hole and staying there. Jesus gave every believer the Spirit to comfort us in those moments.
I can testify that God is faithful. I have found so much comfort reading the Scriptures. They provide instruction for times like this. They provide comfort through the wonderful promises to those who read them.
God created us and redeemed us out of His love for us. He has filled other believers with His Spirit too. I'm so thankful for my Christian family. That family extends beyond my church family. So many believers who pray for us and encourage us when we need it.
My church family is so special to us. Throughout our time together, we have rejoiced together, laughter together, cried together and grieved together. We bear one another's burdens. No sooner do we find ourselves grappling with our own grief, and suddenly, someone else we know and love are grieving as well. So, we go to them, love them, and share how God's mercy and compassion sustain us. That's what the church does! These believers "come alongside" us. God's Spirit is within us and them. We remind each other of God's promises.
He is our refuge, He is our strength, He is our compassionate friend. He is our God. He is eternal, He is wise, He knows every hair on our head so He is very much aware of your sorrow.
So, repent if you need to, believe, obey and trust Him. God is good and very faithful, even when I am not good or faithful. He alone has the words of eternal life
