Feb
27
Overflowing Comfort
Filed by Becky Albrecht Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Ten years ago today, I went out in the morning to run errands, much as I did this morning. When I arrived home, my son told me that my sister, Brenda, had called while I was out. Soon the phone rang again; it was my sister calling back.
It was about noon, and I had a student coming for math tutoring at 1 PM. Still, I took the time to sit and talked with her, giving her my undivided attention. We talked for about forty-five minutes. She said good-bye, and we hung up.
I am grateful that I spent those precious moments talking to her because, unbeknownst to me, that would be the last time I would have the opportunity to do so. Sadly, she passed away later that evening. In losing my sister so suddenly and at such a young age (she was 41), I was reminded again of the brevity of life.
Here are some other thoughts that come to my mind:
- God does not promise any one of us a tomorrow. The Bible tells us, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live, and we will do this or that” (James 4:15). Today is the day of salvation. What will we do with today?
- I am reminded to thank God for every day. The Bible tells us, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Treasure each day that God has given to you.
- Though we lead busy lives, it is people that are really most important. Author John Maxwell writes, “When people are esteemed, relationships are redeemed.” The Apostle Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). How grateful I am that, by God’s grace, I did not rush our phone conversation, though I truly did have other things on my mind. How easy it is to forget this; but how important to remember!
- We grieve, but God tells us that in our grief it is possible to have hope. He says, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14). During times of grief, we often ask the really important questions of life. It is in Christ that we can find answers. We can trust in a living Savior. We can trust Him with life, with our eternal life, and with the lives of our loved ones.
- God has given us family and friends to be a comfort to each other. He tells us, “Comfort one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Be willing to accept the comfort of others. And, each day ask yourself: “Is there anyone who needs my comfort today.
It is my prayer that “the God of all comfort” will comfort each of us.
