God of All Comfort

Reading through the book of 2 Corinthians recently, the familiar passage describing the comfort that is ours in Christ, took on fresh meaning.   

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
God of All Comfort
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

We realize again the deep and profound importance of the prayers, comfort and encouragement of the family of God in times of suffering and distress.

It was a day our family refers to as "helicopter day." Just over one year ago,our daughter-in-law, Rachel, was flown to Cincy after a reoccurring brain tumor bled and caused a stroke. We all faced the realities of life and death in the days and months that followed. Grace and grief were often swirled together as we came to understand that we would only have her for a limited time.

We just celebrated Easter. It was Rachel's favorite holiday. She loved Easter for two reasons. 1. She got pretty excited about the candy; she had quite the sweet tooth and enjoyed the renewed joy of the season.

2. She never forgot the joy and hope of Easter- that we worship a Savior who died for us, conquered death and rose from the grave! She went to be with that Savior in September- I have no doubt that this Easter was the best one she ever had.

We remember her this day with hearts heavy, but memories sweet.

We remember our Savior this day with hearts grateful for His amazing grace, and hope secured!

We thank our God this day for the comfort he supplies through the Spirit, His Word, and so many who prayed, encouraged and comforted in those difficult times.