The Gift of the Comforter

We can find ourselves in seasons where our hearts feel heavy. In those moments, it’s easy to ask why things are happening. But perhaps the more powerful question isn’t “Why did God do this?” but rather, “How is God with me in this?”.

God doesn’t leave us to navigate life alone. He comforts us by sending His Holy Spirit to be the Comforter.

Prayer as Our Future

I see prayer as our goal, our hope, and our future. I believe that God answers each and every prayer. It may not always look the way we imagined, and it may not end the way we planned, but God provides.

Sometimes, His answer is giving us those extra moments or extra days with a loved one before they transition. Maybe a few more stories are shared before the end on this side of heaven. Other times, His answer is pulling together a community to surround us when we feel most alone. Even when the answer isn’t what we were looking for, God provides.

A Specific God for Specific Needs

One of the many things I love about God is that He knows our true needs before we even realize them. Even when we can’t see His work, we know He is there because of His power, His grace, and His mercy.

He is with us in the middle of it all:

• He is with us when we hear the diagnosis.
• He is with us as we process what that diagnosis means.
• He is with us when things take a turn for the worse.
• He is with us when our loved one transitions.

We stand by Jesus because He stands by us, constantly praying the perfect prayer for us.

The Beauty of the Comforter

The beauty of this journey is that Jesus sent the Comforter so that we aren’t left hanging with an empty heart. We aren’t left to sit in our heaviness. Instead, the Comforter:

• Reminds us of the Word of God and His faithfulness.
• Makes us smile even in the midst of our pain.
• Brings joy to our day by reminding us of cherished experiences.
• Empowers us to share our testimony so others know they aren’t alone.

God can be a “General” God who oversees and loves the world, but He is also a Specific God who sees your individual heart and meets your specific needs.

Mobilizing for Restoration

For some, the specific need right now is community. Know that Jesus is praying for you. Maybe this is not our prayer, but it is our need. Jesus is praying for us. He is mobilizing people, resources, and efforts to make sure you are armored up and strengthened for the long haul. This long haul may be for the rest of your life. Jesus is ready for that commitment.

It is beautiful to be comforted when we are in pain and with heartache. God doesn’t say, “It is finished, good luck.” Instead, He says, “It is finished, it is done, and I will be with your family. Just as I was there for you, I will be there for your loved ones.” He is there for your children, your children’s children, and for generations to come.

God is beautiful. God sent the Comforter to us. The Comforter that will meet our specific need over the next few days, next few years, and next few decades. That one moment that changed our lives forever does not change God’s direction, care, or love for us.

Take hold of the Comforter today. His love and care for you will never fail, never end, and never change. From this moment until the day we see Him face to face the Comforter is with us.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.
John 14:16 KJV