COMFORT ONE ANOTHER

I was was recently reminded of the scripture " 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. (2 Corin. 2:3-4)"

The reason this scripture came to mind is that after having a rather rare conversation with my much younger brother (12 years younger) and hoping that he would be doing better than the last time I spoke with him about the pain from TMJ and tinninitis following a surgery he'd had earlier this year, I found myself rehearsing the back pain and subsequent surgeries (yes, plural) that I went through in 2004. At that time, I was in so much pain I would have to crawl to the bathroom at night and knew if I didn't take some drastic steps to get better I'd be doomed to become a couch potato. Thus, I set myself on a quest of finding a source of relief and if it required surgery....so be it.

Even though I've been taught to believe in a healing God over the previous thirty years, I just didn't have...for lack of a better description, "the energy" to seek HIM for the relief of the pain I was feeling in my back, especially when a nearby doctor just might have the immediate fix. Many people prayed for me to "avoid" surgery...almost making me mad!!! I was looking for a "quick fix" and I guess I thought God "fixes" took longer.

Fortunately, I found a wonderful surgeon and had five discs fused and have probably come through that process as well as anyone can hope. I was relating all of this to my brother, who really didn't realize what a major ordeal it had been and then the following night he called me again and told me how encouraging our previous conversation had been.

Somehow as I write this I think to myself, why in the world would that be? Actually, I guess he sees how I came through that trial and can live productively and happily in spite of the challenge. Not only did I talk about the physical challenges, I reminded him that even when his own faith is failing, that's when it's time to hang out with other people who have faith to carry him on theirs. That's why we need each other.

Sharing my personal testimony about seeking relief THROUGH surgery is not to encourage anyone to follow my example! If someone has the faith to endure and believe God by standing on the word for miraculous healing....I'll agree with them TOTALLY! I believe they can 'hear' and obey God individually. We're all accountable to God as individuals. The above account is my personal account...not my 'prescription!' It's important to seek God first and doctors 2nd. I must admit that I sometimes forget that. Either way, I believe it's God's provision that we find healing. He loves us. Either way, we are to COMFORT ONE ANOTHER!

PS...the above BEAUTIFUL photo was taken by Chuck's wife..Michelle on their visit to Mexico!!