Ever wonder, “Where is God?” When scripture makes so many positive promises, and then you don’t see yourself experiencing them.
Here is one.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement …
Romans 15:5
Or this one;
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3
Endurance and encouragement — God gives it.
Comfort— God gives it.
Yesterday my daughter called and reminded me how tough and strong I am.
My friend Jerry texted me reminding me of his respect, care and love for me.
My wife sat with me and brought tender care. She held my hand. Patted my back.
God gives encouragement and comfort, but it may not be the voice in the night, even a sense of his presence in the day.
God and his comfort often come through others.
Leo Tolstoy illustrates this beautifully in his story Martin the Cobbler, and if you haven’t read it, find it and do. Martin lost his wife. He is so lonely but one day he senses a promise —- the Savior will come to his house
All day looks at his window watching. First, he sees Stepanitch shoveling away snow. Martin invites him in for a warm drink and they talked for a while.
Then he sees a woman with a baby who is cold and He invites her in for some food and gives her warmer clothes and money.
Then he sees a boy stealing an apple and he intervenes and pays for the apple.
That night while Martin wondered why God had not visited him, the three figures appeared in his home, the very ones he had showed hospitality to that day. They said that when he helped them he was helping God. Martin then realized that God had indeed visited him in those he helped.
When we comfort others we are God to them. When they comfort us they are God to us.
So at the end of time the truth will be known.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40
God does come — in others, in us — helping others.
Thrive! 