Posted by: John_Hamilton on 01/16/2012 12:42 AM
Updated by: John_Hamilton on 03/04/2012 08:55 PM
Expires: 01/01/2017 12:00 AM
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He does not comfort me to make me comfortable! By Catherine Lewallen
Murphys, CA...This year, I have been brought right to my breaking point. Over and over again, I have been afraid… or in pain… or sad… and I am compelled to say, “Lord, I am depending on you.” I know that my situation, especially my battle with cancer, is well beyond my personal and my human capabilities. I am whole-heartedly, without question, relying on how God continues to care for me. Over and over again, He has brought me complete comfort....
I know that His comfort is a gift, but it is not to make me comfortable. It is training. Training for service. Picture a military Boot Camp, if you will. Certainly, we do not think of “comfortable,” do we? The bad news is that the training is not easy. It hurts and is frightening and overwhelming. But, when the experience and the suffering is over, that serviceman or woman is more equipped for what life will throw at them than before. They have gained experiences from which they can draw forever, that will inevitably help them and perhaps even save them or someone else.
The more I write, the more I am blessed with wonderful people who share with me their own struggles. These are not primarily tales of cancer. The story of my suffering has affected victims of adultery, people with addictions, and lonely people… sick people, non-believers, and people who live with fear. He draws them to me, and I can share how I suffered and how I was comforted.
So, this difficult training that I must endure is perhaps so that part of my service can be to comfort. God can, through me, apply the same ointment He applied to me on someone else. I get to become part of His comfort. Here’s the miracle: the people who reach out to me (and therefore, to Him) are comforted!
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18
Editors Note...Catherine's fight and the manner in which she has fought it publicly has been an inspiration to many. If you would like some context and a more personal look at her battle you can find it on the Caring Bridge Website Here! We would like to welcome Catherine as one of our contributors and we hope her story can help you along your journey in life.
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