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God has promised to comfort us in all our troubles. I have been amazed at all the ways He has comforted me during and after my eye crisis.
I have felt The Power of Unified Prayer.
When multiple people pray for the same person, they have a common focus on God and the person for whom they are praying.
The Power is not that we come to God, having collected so many endorsements on our petition. The Power is in our unity in God and with each other.
People who did not know each other prayed for me. People who did not know me prayed for me. I have felt the unified prayers. It is true that PRAY means Power Released Among You!
How people express comfort is a reflection of their personality. That in itself is precious.
Some people simply said, “I’m sorry you are having a difficult time.”
Some people said, “Call me if you need anything.”
Some people said, “I’m praying for you.”
A dear friend asked, “Are you ready yet for a hug?”
I have appreciated the honest statements of some who simply shook their head and said, “I don’t know what to say.”
My daughter and husband are “doers.” They are movers and shakers. They are problem solvers. They are not comfortable with unanswered questions.
But both have been willing to set aside their own needs to comfort me. They have understood what I need now goes beyond someone who will do.
I need companions and listeners. I need people to be present while I work out my own take aways. They have listened. They have comforted. They are my treasured home team.
And the joy of hearing a five year old say, “I love you, Grandma” is a bouquet of comfort in itself.
I am truly thankful for all the blessings that God has continually given me throughout this journey. I have tried to remain positive, sunny side up, optimistic, etc.
But the back story is still one of shock, disbelief, unanswered questions, and recurring anxiety. It is one of adjustment to it is what it is and cannot be what it was.
Recently I received comfort from a long time friend. She listened. She encouraged. But she did more than that. She cried.
At that moment, I realized it was exactly what I needed. Someone to get in the boat with me and feel the waves crashing over us together, partners in grief, truly bearing one another’s burdens and expressing the kinship of the struggle.
Some are puzzled at Jesus’ reaction when Lazarus died. Jesus wept. Why would He when He undoubtedly knew He was about to bring him back to life?
He was sharing personally in the grief of Mary and Martha. He was giving an outward, visible sign that He personally felt the enormity of their pain. He wept.
It does not mean everyone should cry with their friends at every time. But if you feel so prompted, never feel bad about doing it.
Some connections with others are so strong, they bring comfort by expressing the grief we have bottled up inside us and maybe could not express.
My friend comforted me with her tears.
I thank God for all the ways He has comforted me. He promised He would and He always keeps His Promises.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
He comforts through us. Who do you know who needs His Comfort delivered through you?
“Comfort, comfort My people”, says your God.
Isaiah 40:1
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings.
Galatians 6:2
