Singing For Fred
By Lexi Cole
“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3b-4
By Lexi Cole
“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3b-4
Rockford, Illinois - - another concert on choir tour. Before our concert, a friend told us she talked to a man named Fred, who came early for a front-row seat. He said he and his wife both loved coming to college concerts together, but it was his first time leaving the house since his wife had died last week. Tears welled in my eyes as I thought about the amazing opportunity we had to minister to Fred. This was not just another concert, but a chance to sing for Fred, to be a small part of God’s active comfort to a man who was in unspeakable pain. Later, Fred sent us a letter telling us about his life and thanking us for the concert. It was very emotional as we all sang, not only to God’s glory, but also to His child.
I do believe there is something about the power of music, the comfort when voices come together. However, it wasn’t just the music that allowed us to be a blessing to Fred. There is something incredibly powerful when we are intentionally led by the Spirit to be a vehicle of comfort to others. While I love our music, it was also all seventy of us who followed God’s prompting to comfort a man with our singing.
We serve a God who has a heart for relationship and community. The Old Testament is filled with stories where God continually redeems and comforts His people. Jesus not only restored relationships, but was the epitome of comfort to those who are sick, oppressed and marginalized. Moreover, the Holy Spirit calls us, the Church, to be His vehicle of love and comfort to a suffering world. As Christians, we are called to live lives that are infused with love and selflessness. With this lifestyle comes a deep intentionality to comfort others, whether it be a meal to a family, being silent and listening, a commitment to pray for others, a large empathic hug, an encouraging note, music…the list goes on and on. God is the source of all comfort. And as His children, we are called to encourage, love and actively help others. I’m so thankful that my choir was able to sing for Fred…and for the reminder that there are many little things we can do to be the tangible, active comfort to others.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify someone in your life who needs comfort. What can you intentionally do this week to be a physical part of God’s comfort to that person?
FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40
Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University. The last two summers, she’s been the Children’s Ministries intern at Oakwood.
