What SHe SAid - Part 12

Rosann Coulon, Guest Writer

Today’s Treasure

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 14:18 KJV

In times of uncertainty, we look for someone to tell us that we’re going to be okay. We want assurance that we’re going to make it through to the other side and be better for it.

For me, that woman was my grandmother. And, according to my recollection, my grandmother was a towering woman. Not because she was a giant in size (although she was ample), but because her faith moved mountains.

Throughout my childhood and young adult years, seeing her in her familiar oversized brown chair with the Bible sprawled open on her full lap instantly brought me comfort. If Jesus has a phone, I think she would have had His direct number. I’m sure all of His angelic staff would have received a memo to the effect: “If Rose calls, put her through!” Her connection to God was one I’ve rarely encountered.

In difficult seasons of pain, heartbreak, loss, or in need of direction, she was the one to whom I ran for advice, comfort, and prayer. I shared my burdens with her more times than I can remember.

I’ve found myself wanting to run to my grandmother for reassurance once again as overwhelm has threatened to swallow me. I’m feeling uncertain about the future: I think it’s safe to say that we’re all in a time of uncertainty. If we’re not struggling with issues within our families, our health, or our emotions, we only have to turn on the news for a few seconds to realize we’ve entered a perilous season like never before within our society.

In the middle of my fears, I’ve longed to hear my grandmother say, as she did so many times before: “I’ve prayed, and God has told me, ‘It’s going to be alright.’” But she went on to heaven many years ago. I can no longer hear her voice.

One night, as overwhelming uncertainties threatened to drown me, with worship music playing softly in the background, I cried out to God for comfort: “Dear Lord, I need to feel Your nearness. Just let me know You are here.” Immediately, I felt His Presence enter the room enveloping me with comfort, peace, and assurance that He (alone) is in control, as tears flowed from my eyes.

Perhaps I am experiencing just a bit of what the disciples felt in John 14. There, Jesus speaks with the disciples before his impending death. Their Master on whom they had relied for help and guidance is leaving. They will no longer be able to physically see, touch, or hear Him.

Yet, He offers a promise that although He is going away, He “will not leave [them] as orphans,” but will send them a “Helper, the Holy Spirit” to dwell with them (John 14:18, 26 ESV).

Just as He did for the disciples, Christ still offers us the comfort, guidance, reassurance, and direction that we need. This same Holy Spirit is dwelling within us and extends the same blessings. There is so much hope in this promise.

Although my grandmother is gone, and there are times I have no one on this earth to run to for comfort, I can run to the One who holds ultimate peace. Because of Him, I am never alone. He is my Helper, Deliverer, Encourager, and Friend.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

I encourage you to remember that this same Jesus holds hope out to you. He offers His promise to “never leave nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV). You are His child, and He is whispering in your ear, just as my grandmother extolled so many times before: “It’s going to be alright!”

PRAYER

Dear Father, when uncertainty brings me to fear, remind me of Your presence always with me.

Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.

The Gift of His Presence