"Just Hold Me" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Last week I suffered through a bad cold. The usual congestion, sneezing, and runny nose afflicted me for about 3 days. In my misery, I lamented and asked God what lesson could He be showing me? I could not see the good, only the bad.

And after I recovered, more bad news struck. My wife had caught my cold. And she was more miserable than I. I attempted to take care of the household duties and the kids, ease her burdens so she could rest. But I generally felt helpless. I asked her what else I could do for her but all she whimpered was, “Just hold me.”

As I lay next to her early Sunday morning and felt her misery, I knew exactly what she was experiencing and could comfort her. I prayed to God for healing. I prayed that her misery would be mine. God may not have healed her at that instant, but He was using me to pray for her and bless her, the same comfort that Jesus gives to His children. And I as cared for my wife, I understood why God had allowed me to suffer through my cold. He was preparing me to care for my wife.

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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

It was a powerful lesson that God taught me.

Just hold me. This is what Jesus does for us when we are suffering. This is what He asked of me to care for my wife.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.