Finding God’s Comfort in Unexpected Places
Many of you know that one of my favorite activities is snorkeling. The buoyancy of the water coupled with the beauty of God’s creation is a healing remedy for both mind and body. I am unable to be very active on land, but my husband says I am like a mermaid in the ocean! When gravity lifts the weight of burning limbs and painful joints, I feel like a child again.
During a recent family trip to one of my favorite beach locales, snorkeling became the first physically active sport I have ever shared with my children. They grew up seeing me bedridden, using a scooter, and enduring debilitating sickness. I wanted my children to witness that their mom’s adventurous side had not been completely buried under the burden of health issues. Outfitted with a rash guard, pink snorkel and mask, fin socks, and a waterproof iPod with headphones, I’d follow the fish until I was waterlogged.
Yep! That’s me in my happy place.
An Underwater Paradise
Some days I swam with turtles. On other days, boxfish seemed to think I was one of them. They swam with me, turning and looking inquisitively, seemingly unafraid.
My boxfish friend. Let’s call her Dotty!
If you have read my previous posts, you might recall that I love the ocean, but I’m always looking out for sharks. (See this post to read my embarrassing shark story!) Did I see a shark on this trip? Yes. Up close and personal. I yelled out to warn my friend, but in my excitement, I forgot to swim away myself! God’s merciful protection covered me regardless.
In one of my final swims, two beautiful spotted eagle rays glided toward me, turning out to sea when they moved closer. The way they glided through the water was nothing short of miraculous
On the day I discovered a gorgeous tiger cowrie shell, a mother and her children were enjoying the waves as they splashed the shore. As a former teacher, I never want to miss a chance to show children something amazing. So I dove down, carefully taking note of the area where the shell was lodged, and temporarily took it to shore so this family could see it before I returned it to its home.
Amber’s beautiful kiddos enjoying God’s creation together.
I learned that Amber was on vacation with her three children, two of whom had health challenges. (God was obviously up to something here!) As we spoke, God reminded me that people are the most precious and beloved of all His marvelous creation.
After I shared what I’d learned in my Bible study that morning, Amber rejoiced, “Moments like this remind me that God sees me and is with me.”
God used that shell to propel me out of the water and onto the beach so He could gather us together to remind us of His love for us. Christ’s love compelled me to share this word with Amber. I pray it encourages you, too:
“...we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.” 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 NIV
(I am taking a portion of these verses, but I encourage you to read them in context.)
According to Strong’s Concordance on Bible Hub, the Greek word used here for comfort is parakaleó.* It means to encourage, console, and strengthen with the implication that it’s done up close and alongside someone. In the passage, Paul was distressed over the wayward Corinthian church, and Titus comforted Paul by relaying their longing for him, deep sorrow over wrongdoing, and ardent concern for him. God came near and comforted Paul through Titus’ message, and his joy was restored.
Paul’s joy was also restored by recognizing that God’s comfort was the real source of solace.
God has compassion on us when we endure seasons of suffering. He sent Titus to Paul. He sent me to Amber, and her to me.
Who might the Lord send to comfort you?
Who will the Lord send you to comfort?
As Amber and I talked about God’s goodness on that beach, He came near and reminded us both of His great love for us. The Lord later spoke to my heart and said, “You expected to find the beauty of undersea creation, but I used the shell to open your eyes to the beauty of discovering a treasure above the waters. An unexpected Amber gem on the shore. Delight in my creation but take special delight in the ones for whom I created it.”
The shell that led to God’s comforting reassurance of love for His most beloved creation.
To the beloved who is suffering from health issues, to the beloved caregiver, to the downcast, and to anyone reading this message:
God sees you and loves you.
Prayer: Lord, may I be so acutely aware of my need for You that I immediately sense when You draw near. Today, open my spiritual eyes so I will perceive Your presence in my life. Please send me as Your messenger to remind others that You love them. In Jesus’ Precious Name, amen.
Note: I have asked Amber’s permission to share our story and her name. She said that I could also share this prayer request “in Jesus’ Name!” One of her children has spent months in a children’s hospital and continues to experience health challenges. Could you please pray for her children and Amber’s continued strength, provision, and spiritual sustenance? Thank you!
* https://biblehub.com/greek/3870.htm
