Trust Meনমুনা

Never Alone

Read: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Think: Why do bad things happen to good people? This is a question that all of us wrestle with when we see injustice around us or experience it first hand. Where is God? Why is He allowing this? Does He even exist or care? All these questions are fair and appropriate to ask during times of suffering. Losing my wife to cancer, and walking the four year journey with her, gave me plenty of opportunities to ask all of the “whys.” In reflection I can see how, even though the pain was more than I have ever felt or ever would want anyone else to feel, God’s peace, provision and presence was with us all of the time. During that time and since, we have been able to connect in deep ways with others who have gone through, or are going through, the tough moments of life. Most times there aren’t easy answers to give, but knowing someone cares and has walked through pain as well, brings comfort. It gives a feeling that we aren’t alone. God promises to comfort us in our troubles, not necessarily remove our troubles as we would prefer our God to do. Some days it may not feel like God is present in the way we’d like, but His ways are always higher than ours. He’s with you. He loves you. You are not alone in your suffering.

Apply: How have I seen God in my suffering in the past? Am I able to see God in my current suffering? Is there someone I should reach out to help me process my suffering? Is there someone I know who is suffering and could perhaps show comfort?

Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being a present God in my life. Thank you for being with me, never leaving me, walking with me, caring for me, and bringing comfort to areas of my life that need your touch. Help me to find ways to extend that same comfort to others around me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Greg Petersheim is the Executive Pastor at Grace Point Church  in Paradise, PA. Two years ago, Greg lost his wife of 26 years to breast cancer. Two adult children and a little diva dog “Molly” live in Ephrata with Greg. There’s a lot of wedding planning happening as both Greg and one of his daughters are engaged to be married this year.)