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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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These are some great books to encourage you.
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Comfort Others - II Corinthians 1:3,4 - by Jacqueline Hannah
Posted on Tuesday, May 13 @ 19:12:15 PDT by DancingQueen |
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You could have heard a pin drop.
Everyone in the room stopped talking. Our focus centered on a woman in the middle of a small group who had just given her name. And, like the rules of the evening stated, had provided a snippet about herself – she used to be a pastor’s wife.
Silence reigned.
"Help her." A still, small voice spoke to me. "Comfort her with the comfort you have received."
"I can't. No one knows, and I have not offered."
The woman searched the room full of singles who had gathered for a "get-to-know-you" dinner at 6:00 for six. She remained quiet even though the silence waited for her to divulge additional information. Her embarrassment became obvious as a slight pink hue moved from her neck and changed to bright red as it engulfed her face. She cast her eyes down, looked for an open space in the group, and then turned to leave.
"I am the God who comforts you in your suffering so that you might comfort others in their suffering."
"I am too" blurted out of my mouth before I had a chance to think. "I… my husband ….I used to be a pastor's wife."
There, I said it. Now all eyes turned on me – more shocked at my statement than hers. She was a newcomer, a first time visitor to the singles ministry. I, on the other hand, had been a regular attendee for several years. Imagine that... several years of church attendance and class involvement, and me not open enough to share.
Rick Warren's book, "Purpose Driven Life," has a chapter entitled "Transformed By Trouble" where he points out that our life experiences offer a unique ability to touch others who have encountered similar life situations. Rick states that we have a voice, like no other, that can speak into someone's pain.
I definitely related to this woman's embarrassment. Finding oneself single after serving in the ministry as pastor's wife has its own category of woes. Because I had previously covered the ground she now walked, I knew she wanted to return to self-exile. There were no questions and stares could be avoided. She and I found ourselves on the same playing field with the same set of rules, regulations, obstacles and pitfalls. I felt her eyes pinning me to an invisible mounting board, waiting for what I would add to my recent admission.
At this point, God asked me to carry another's burden (Galatians 6:2) and to become transparent enough to offer comfort. I had answers to the questions no one else knew to ask. I faced a decision…offer comfort and understanding to one, single, lonely woman or continue in my own world. My openness would allow God, through me, to meet the needs of one. But by remaining quiet, I would continue the incomplete perception of many. By remaining quiet, I would not have to endure probing questions of "how" or "why."
"Lay down your life and follow Me."
Jesus requires those who believe in Him to give up their agendas in order to gain abundant life. He expects us to be last in order to be first. He modeled the life of a servant expecting us to do the same.
We are not perfect people. Those of us who make up the body of Christ should admit this now, more than ever. True followers will reach out to a world in pain by admitting to trials and troubles in their lives and proclaim the ointment that soothes and heals brokenness – Jesus Christ.
Note: Jacqueline Hannah accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior during a college/career retreat. While life has brought many curved and bumpy roads, her Lord has provided through it all. She draws on her experiences with the Lord Jesus Christ as a freelance writer. Today she serves as a singles small group leader within the church. She is also a mother of four and grandmother of three. Her passions are teaching God's Word and gardening.
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Average Score: 4.8
Votes: 5
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