Chaplains Corner - 29 October 2010

The comfort God has given us, He wants us now to share with others who are suffering so they will sense His care (Sper) God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable; He comforts us to make us compassionate comforters to those going through difficult times. To make this point, a medical school program in New York gave students who are training for geriatric medicine a unique opportunity. They were to experience life as nursing home residents for 10 days. They learned some of the struggles of maneuvering a wheelchair and being raised out of bed with a lift, as well as reaching the shower bar from a seated position. One student learned how little things counted for a lot for example, putting the TV remote in a reachable location, or by lowering the nameplates on doors so patients could find their rooms more easily.

From their 10 days living as elderly person, they learning from their experiences to be better able to serve them in their future word. This was a programmed learning environment. Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we've learned and the comfort He's given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. The Apostle Paul indicated this when he wrote: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble." (2 Cor.1:3-4). Are you using the lessons you learned from your trials to touch the lives of others? When you learned to see your difficulties as God's way to bring us to where He wants to be. We mature in our tribulations and grow in wisdom, compassion and empathy.

There is always someone who is suffering that you can help. Let God use you as His instrument to comfort others in their tribulations. To God, you are still worthy to serve Him in your old age. Glorify God by serving others in His name. The rewards are great.


Chaplain (LTC) John Szilvasy, Retired
SF Qualified 1967 as a Chaplain