Shared Consolation
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-4
God consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4
There is a little story about a Little Grass Hut which a shipwrecked man built to survive on an isolated island. He went hunting for food and came back to a burning hut. This was the worst thing that could have happened. He asked God how he could have done this to him. He lost everything! Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. He asked the crew when it landed, “How did you know I was here?” “We saw your smoke signal.”
God understands our anguish. As we experience our shipwrecks in life, God sends us help—sometimes in people who themselves have experienced anguish and trauma. Thank goodness for these messengers of God who save us from total devastation and pain. When we seek God’s comfort, however, it presents itself to us, through friends, family, music, flowers, our church, peace surrounds us. With time, we may even see that our struggles assist us in our daily life to mature as believers and to help others.
Dear God of compassion we thank you for those messengers of your love and peace. Grant us comfort and peace as we surround others with your loving presence. Amen
Carolyn Barth (with the aid of the Upper Room and another message)
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