Whether it’s small group – or Wednesday nights – or the Bible Ministries, there is always time for each person to share their prayer requests.  One person shared that she was without a job.  I wanted to comfort her so I shared Matthew 6:26–27: “Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Aren’t you worth more than they?  Can any of
you add one moment to his life span by worrying?”  I said, “Don’t worry, God will provide.”  I hoped that would be an encouragement.  She looked at me and said, “Well, I can’t pay my mortgage this month so…”  I stammered out a response, saying I was sorry and that I would continue to pray for her.  I left feeling bad.  Maybe you’ve been like me, unsure of what to say, so you shared a Bible verse for comfort that things will get better,  Or shared an “At least”:
“At least you are young. You can keep trying for another baby.”
“At least it is not as bad as what I dealt with …”
“At least you have your health.  It could be worse.”

Words can, and often do fail.  We might try to avoid those who are suffering because we don’t know what to say or do.  Well, each situation is different but there are a few constants. 1. Be present - Most of the time, a grieving friend does not need advice. They need the ministry of presence. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything, you just need to be available.  2. Anticipate needs - Those who are suffering often cannot communicate what they need.  Look at some tangible needs you can meet.  Groceries, gift cards, babysitting.  Find simple ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.  3.  Be intentional - In the weeks and months following a significant event or loss, continue to be present.   4. Rely on the Holy Spirit - It’s good to remind ourselves that we are not the Holy Spirit.  We can be faithful to love and pray for those who are grieving without stepping into the role of their savior and carrying the burden of
responsibility for their healing or happiness.  Instead, we can trust that God will use our words and our service to comfort others and glorify Himself.

Listen, stepping down from heaven and putting on human flesh, Jesus walked this earth and experienced tremendous suffering. The suffering people are walking through might be unfamiliar to you, but it is fully known by the Lord. He knows what it is like to experience pain in a broken world.  He knows our sorrows and sees our tears (Psalm 56:8).  At the end of the day, the best thing we can do is trust in God to do the work that only He can do.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - “Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”