Hey, friend. What are you going through today? I’m not sure where you’re at in life, but I can bet that, unfortunately, you’ve had some storms or you’re right in the middle of one. If you know anything about me, you know that the biggest storm I’ve weathered so far in my life was when my mom was diagnosed with cancer and then passed away. Those times were so hard, but they were sweet, too, because I got to experience Jesus in a whole new way. I got to experience the comfort of the Father like never before.
There’s so many things out there offering to provide you comfort. We look to food (guilty!), or to a favorite song, or to a movie/book, etc. There’s nothing wrong with (most) of those things, but friend, there is absolutely nothing more comforting or encouraging than leaning in on the Father through His Word. During the biggest storm in my life and in the times following, I got to see the sweet promises of the Lord and His comfort in a new light. I’d love to take these few minutes with you to share some of my favorite Scriptures that I learned to love and lean on in my storm.
“But when Jesus heard it He said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'” John 11:4 (ESV). This Scripture comes from when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Mom’s sickness ended in physical death, but I love this verse because it reminds me that even though her sickness did end in her physical death, that wasn’t the end for her. Mom is healed now perfectly and better than she ever would have been on this earth (and I like to think that she’s eating calorie-free Snicker bars and drinking Diet Cokes). I also love this because it reminds me that the Lord uses storms like cancer to glorify Him.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10 (ESV). Don’t let whatever storm you’re in steal your joy; that’s from the Enemy. Jesus can and will give you abundant life, even in the storm!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in 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” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. We serve the God of mercies and the God of all comfort. How awesome is that? And once your storm has passed, He can and will use you to spread His comfort to others.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” Romans 8:26 (ESV). Sometimes things got too hard where I just even didn’t know what to pray. When you’re in that place, know that the Spirit is interceding for you.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28 (ESV). If you know Christ, He is working that storm in your life for your good and His glory. It may not seem good right now, and we may not ever fully know how He’s working, but I promise, He is.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV). God commands us not to be anxious. We aren’t to be anxious about big things like cancer or small things like the weather for your son’s birthday party. God gives us this command, but the awesome thing about God is, He gives us a way to follow it. He tells us to thankfully present our requests to Him. And you know what? It gets even better. He promises us His peace!
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” Hebrews 10:23 (ESV). Friends, when the storm is swirling around you, grab on to Jesus and the hope that you have in Him. Grab on tight and don’t let go. He’s got you. He is faithful.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” James 1:2-4 (ESV). That trial that you’re in, God is using it. He’s using it in ways you can’t understand. He’s using it to make you more complete in Him.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” Revelation 21:4 (ESV). If you’re in Christ, THIS is what you have ahead for you!! Jesus has conquered the grave and death! No matter what you’re facing, you can look ahead to your future in Jesus! This verse also comforts me when I’m missing my mom. She is with her Savior. She is with Jesus!
Goodness! I feel like I just scratched the surface. God’s Word was (and is) such a source of comfort and encouragement for me on that journey with Mom. It was for her too; I remember her always quoting Scripture and leaning on God’s Word as she went through chemo and doctor’s appointments.
Dear friend, what storm are you in today? My heart’s desire for you is that you would dig into God’s Word. Seek the God of all comfort. Let Him and His Word give you the peace that truly passes all understanding. Grab your Bible. Read these verses… over and over again. Let these Truths wash over you. Jesus will be so sweet to give you the comfort you need. He’s just faithful like that!
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