I mistakenly sent today's devotion yesterday, hence the reason you received two devotions. Fortunately, there's always a ram in the bush! Eric Wesley delivered a timely message at last night's Remembrance Service (watch it here), and it will be the basis of today's devotion.

There are more than 11,000 lakes in Minnesota. Yet, Lake Itasca, a humble body of water spanning less than two square miles serves as the origin of the mighty Mississippi River, which stretches over 2300 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Similarly, in the depths of our lives, God stands as our primary source of comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalm 119:28, John 14:26, Romans 8:26 we're reminded that He comforts us with His Word and through His Spirit.

The Greek term used to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14:26 (AMPC) is "paraklétos," translated as Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. When grief weighs heavy on our hearts and the journey seems insurmountable, the Holy Spirit empowers us to press on, enabling us to run our race with endurance (watch this inspiring video from the 1992 Olympics that illustrates how the Holy Spirit's comforting presence can uplift us, giving us the strength to overcome obstacles and move forward).

In addition to his word and Spirit, God uses people who have experienced His comforting touch to extend that same comfort to others.

You, too, are part of this beautiful cycle of comfort. Once you've been comforted by God, you become a vessel through which His comfort flows to those around you. It's a divine exchange that ensures each of us receives the comfort we need in our times of deepest need (here's what it looks like).

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my ultimate source of comfort. As the Holy Spirit empowers me to navigate life's challenges, may I, in turn, be a vessel of Your comfort to others. Help me to share the solace I've received from You, creating a cycle of support that reflects Your boundless love. Amen.

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Reflection

1. Reflect on a specific instance in your life where you felt the comforting presence of God. How did His Word or Spirit bring solace during that time?

2. Consider the concept of the Holy Spirit as the "paraklétos," embracing roles such as Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. How do these aspects of the Holy Spirit resonate with your personal experiences of finding strength in challenging moments?

3. In light of the divine exchange mentioned, think about a time when someone, who had been comforted by God, extended that same comfort to you. How did this cycle of comfort impact your journey, and how can you actively participate in extending God's comfort to others?

Watch: Grieving Well, Pt 1

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