By Rhonda Stinson
As Winnipeg (aka Winnie) looked down from the barn loft, she breathed in the soothing smells of lumber, dirt, and engine oil. This barn loft was where she loved to spend her time with God. Winnie spent many hours in the loft praying, studying, crying, laughing and singing praises to God. This was her special place where nobody would interrupt her. She thoroughly enjoyed the rainy days when the rain would hit the roof in a hypnotic and peaceful rhythm. Today was one of those rainy days. Her quiet time was all planned out. As Winnie peeked out the small window adoring God’s creation, she caught a glimpse of a woman outside. The woman was aimlessly pacing around and looked as if she was crying. She had no idea Winnie was watching her. To Winnie’s dismay, she felt the tug of the Holy Spirit calling her to invite the woman inside. “But God, I’m having such a wonderful time with You, do I really have to stop and get involved in this woman’s problems?”
Winnie knew what she must do, so she reluctantly climbed down from the loft and invited the woman in. The woman, Jana, seemed to be in a state of depression, loneliness, and disbelief. Her husband died a week ago and she was left to live the rest of her days without him. How could she ever survive? They were entwined since they were in their early 20’s. It was like a piece of her flesh had been torn from her.
It was then that Winnie realized a ministry she had been called to as a Christ follower; the ministry of consolation. Winnie warmly consoled Jana and then invited her to the loft. Winnie brought this woman into her solitary place with God. God wanted to share His love with Jana and chose Winnie to be the vessel to distribute His love and comfort. In the end, Winnie was more fulfilled than she had been in a long time. She realized that her quiet time with God was special and important, but it was to be extended beyond the walls of this barn. As Winnie became a vessel that was being poured out into someone else’s life, she also became a vessel that was full to overflowing.
Have you ever thought about the importance of consoling someone who is hurting? I must confess, there have been times when I’ve seen someone in need of consolation and I have just gone on with the busyness of the day. It takes much time and energy to intervene in another’s issues. How dare I! God has given me the time I have on earth. Each breath I breathe is from Him. Each moment I live should be lived for Him and for being a willing servant for Him. Where are you when it comes to the ministry of consolation? Loneliness is deadly. It is one of the worst experiences anyone could ever endure. It is something that can’t be understood unless it is experienced. As Christ followers, we are not told that we need to experience loneliness in order to console another. God knows the depth of a person’s emotions and simply asks us to be willing to be used by Him to bring healing to another.
After Winnie had prayed with the woman they embraced, the woman walked with purpose down the path seemingly into the rainbow that had formed after the rain.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1).
“I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live” (Psalms 116:1-2).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books. (They make great gifts too!): Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional
