Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
I left Morocco on a flight home 5 days early to be with my dad, Wesley, in the hospital, and help my stepmom, Peggy. I came back from the WR feeling so loved by all the people who supported me this year, my squad mates, team, and mentors/coaches. They gave me the most incredible farewell.
I was also afraid that I had to be strong or spiritual or people would have expectations of me because I was on this mission-for-God trip. I should have learned something (which I did, I learned a lot, and I am strong in God, and I am spiritual, because I have Gods spirit) but I didn’t know how I would be able to show the fruits of what I had learned, or enough to satisfy others or my own expectation. Most of it was wrong thinking, fear, and pressure I put on myself (for a long time) to be walking more fully in my giftings, and putting the knowledge I have into action. I was afraid I would fall short and find myself unable to speak. (I am still terrified of public speaking).
Likewise the Spirit also helps our weaknesses: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. -Romans 8:26
But coming back home- I came to a situation I’ve never had experience with before. My dad had been ill with cancer and many other things and had recently gotten a little better just to get worse. He was in the hospital and I did not know what to do. I thought I would be coming home to be his caretaker until he got back up on his feet. But I did not know what my role was in this situation, other than to pray. (which I did not do the best job at – in fact I barely had words to speak) Before my eyes, for the last week of my dads life on earth, I saw my dad physically deteriorating. I wondered how I would be a comforter to my stepmom in the present moment and then if he were to die?
Only God can comfort. We just have to Trust him.
And the only reason why people are able to be “there” or comforting to one another is because God allows it. God gave us, his children, the gift of comfort, the ability to comfort, and the desire to be a comforter. But every molecule of that comfort that can be sensed, felt, lived in (peace) and dealt comes from the one who created it and is IT. It is part of God’s character; He is comfort!
Jesus said: And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. -John 14:16
This is why we should never underestimate or take for granted God showing His love to us through others. We often want to see fireworks from God. We want it to be so obvious, how much He love us – yet there are people He has placed all around us showing us Love from Him, giving us words of encouragement, and being by our side.
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (parakletos) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
God is a Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17) and the name of His spirit in Greek is Parakletos. (Learned about this beautiful word at OCC). There are so many meanings and characteristics of Gods Spirit, but the direct definition is: The one called alongside. In short you could say, Helper or Comforter.
The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. – John 14:17-18
I came to realize that I was wrapped up in my head, thinking of myself, and what I wished I was (as I have struggled with for soooo long) Instead of keeping my eye single and set on who I am in Him.
It’s not what I know, but it’s totally who I know.
If I make my life about knowing my Father, I will never lose heart.
My DAD, Peggy (my stepmom), me & my mom, Jerri on September 27th 2015. My babtism!!!
Wesley Talbert Cox left his earthy body December 5th around 5pm est. a month and a half from his 57th birthday.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those are are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. -1 Corinthians 1:18
