“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
Nathaniel Bunn was in his car, waiting at a red light, when he witnessed a crash just the other side of the intersection. The result of the wreck left one car turned entirely upside down. Nathaniel Bunn did not hesitate. He threw his car into park and rushed to help the driver in the upside-down vehicle.
The wreck was devastating. Nathaniel tried and tried to get access to the driver, who was in the vehicle, but he could not open any of the doors. He knew the paramedics and firefighters would have to cut her out of the car. Nathaniel did the next best thing. He sat down on the ground, stuck his hand through the broken window, and said, “I am here, you can squeeze my hand for comfort. I can’t get the door open, but help is on the way.” Nathaniel sat by the car, holding her hand. No words were exchanged, but they held hands until she was being cared for by emergency personnel.
One of the greatest comforts we can experience is knowing that we are not alone. Even when we cannot help someone in the way we would like, we can be present. Nathaniel Bunn demonstrated the power of comforting presence. When interviewed by ABC news, Nathaniel said, “I’m glad I was there to help her, and I hope she was comforted by my actions. If you see somebody in this situation where you can help, try to help them. Don’t be selfish.”
It is a blessing to know that we are not alone. As a people of faith, we find comfort in knowing that God is with us. The Bible is filled with powerful declarations like this, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) This encouragement gives us strength to move forward in life. Just as we find comfort from God’s presence, we are reminded that we can offer comfort as we extend the love and care that God first offered us. We share God’s hope when we care for one another.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
