Words of Comfort

One fine evening after our family prayer, I saw a message from a high school classmate posted in a group chat. I initially thought to simply read and brush it aside as not important but on second thought, I realized that that was a very good opportunity to minister the word of God to him aparaently but to the whole group in reality. Therefore, I drafted and sent the following message to the group chat.

Dear L_____g,

A loved one lost is not an easy feeling to bear especially when the one you loved so dearly is remembered on your wedding anniversary. Nonetheless, as Christians, our hope is anchored on Christ the resurrected Lord, our hope of glory (Col.1:27), Who nullifies all hopelessness the world can only offer. 

This reminds me of Jacob (a supplanter), who on the process of becoming Israel (one who struggles with God) had to be stripped off of all his naturalness and had to lose his beloved wife of his natural choice, Rachel. It was painful, no doubt, but what followed was the birth of Benjamin (son of the right hand) who was first called Ben-oni (son of affliction) Gen. 35:18-19. Jacob lost Rachel and gained Benjamin. Typologically, Jacob on his path to maturity lost his heart's treasure, Rachel, and gained Benjamin, a type of the New Testament Christ. With a proper spiritual perspective, we can gain Christ experientially amidst the loss and pain we suffer now, only if we turn to Christ the resurrected Lord.

In our experiences too, we may have been going through "hard times" but the Lord is sovereign over all. The loss we may seem to suffer could possibly be the path God has laid for us to have a new beginning. There is nothing accidental nor coincidental in the Christian life, for all things work together for good, if we are those who love God so that we may gain Christ and be conformed to His image (Rom. 8:28-29).

My prayers and comfort to you and your children. Much grace to you. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *the Father of compassions and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction* that we may be able to comfort those who are in every affliction through the comforting with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, RecVer)

Post my post, there was a period of silence though the day should have been the country's independence day and it should have been flooded with posts. Finally, the friend I personally addressed to in the group responded with a note of thanks. My post was based on the post of his loving memories of his beloved wife whom he lost a couple of months ago. I could feel the pain and loss, but as a Christan, I am not clueless about this kind of situation. Therefore, it was apt for me to speak up in a way of the chat message. 

Though I do not post much, whenever I felt led by the Lord and at the right moment, I could jump in and post what I need to post. I believe that is my function for now in the group. I am glad to be able to function in that way.