3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2Co 1:3-7)
Yesterday I was surprised to find a new book setting on my desk. It is the Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola. It was a gift from one of our church family. She knows I am doing the Daniel Fast and wanted to show her support. I was so moved by the act of love and faith that I just had to write about the nature of support.
Some who are doing the fast together met last night as a small group for sharing, devotion, and prayers. It was a good time. What seemed to be the greatest need was information about the diet. We are so fortunate to have Sarah Stout, a certified nutritionist, on hand to lead us on this journey through Lent. We shared our mistakes when we broke the fast. We shared our victories and our insights. We gave advice when it was sought. We prayed for each other. While it was not mentioned formally, we are supporting one another through this fast.
You can't put a price on the value of a supportive community. When support comes from a surprise gift, or a friend's note of encouragement and thanks, I feel lifted. And isn't that what we are about...Lifting Lives? Not only am I lifted, but I sense an energy to be even more faithful to the fast. I am more committed to seeing this through for God and for God's family who are supporting us in this journey.
As with every good gift, we can turn and share that gift with others. In the passage above, Paul speaks of receiving comfort from God and then being empowered to comfort others with God's comfort. Indeed Paul sees his suffering as a means to provide comfort for the Corinthians and all the churches. In the same way the Christians in Corinth suffer along with Paul, sending him help, letters of encouragement and prayer, even as they suffer their own conflict inside and outside the church.
As I fast I am becoming aware of how this act puts me in solidarity not only with Christ's suffering for us, but in solidarity with those who are offering support and comforting me with their care and prayers. It makes me want to offer God's comfort to our Daniel Fast group and the whole church. I feel a call to pray more fervently for the church, for all the many needs I hear about.
I begin with a prayer of thanksgiving for my church family who I love and support and who love and support me.
Dear Father, I praise you and thank you for giving to us the church of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the family of God here in Zionsville and around the globe and throughout the ages. I am so thankful and glad to be a part of the body of Christ. Keep me, with their prayers and support, ever faithful. I ask you to give me ample opportunity to comfort others with the comfort I have received. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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