When most of us think of comfort, we think of warm blankets, soft pajamas, a hot drink, or of someone offering us a loving heart when difficulty comes. And those things are comforting, and Holy Spirit certainly brings those types of experiences into our lives. However, there is another aspect of comfort that not everyone is aware of and that is, comfort brings strength.
I want to begin by looking at the word comfort both in the dictionary and the Strong’s Concordance so we can get a clearer picture of what Jesus meant when He said He would send us a comforter because He did not mean He was sending a blanket… sorry, I couldn’t resist!
The definition of comforter according to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary is: “Holy Spirit, one that gives comfort, a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf, a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling (such as down).”
The definition of Comforter according to the Strong’s Concordance from John 14:16 is, “Of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after Christ’s ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.”
Strong’s Concordance gives the definition I referred to above; divine strength. Jesus knew that when He left earth to return to Heaven, the disciples would face many challenges, even challenges that would be life-threatening. To begin, they would be without their Teacher, and so be responsible for carrying on the teaching Jesus had begun. They would be misunderstood, as Jesus had been. They would be persecuted, imprisoned, rejected, and even put to death. They needed supernatural strength!
That leads me to consider the difference in us doing tasks and callings in our own strength versus relying on Holy Spirit. One is natural and limited strength; the other is supernatural, unlimited strength. If we were aware we had access to unlimited power and strength, we would all run to the front of that line to receive it!
Philippians 2:13 in the Amplified Bible (AMP) helps us see a contrast between human and divine strength:
For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
And we thought we were amazing, strong, and victorious all by ourselves! Nope. Not only is our work empowered by Holy Spirit, but the fact that we want to work is also attributed to His power in us. We can take no credit. Sure, we have the ability to partner with or dismiss God’s plans, but why would we?
If we saw the full picture, the full plan, the benefits, and the blessings that are ours when we follow God’s plan; we would always choose His path. We would run toward His ways. Lord, open our eyes and give us faith to see and to obey.
I have one more thought when considering Holy Spirit as our Comforter. I believe He strengthens us, encourages us, wipes our tears, and that He cheers us on! He is counting on God’s success through us so that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will cover the earth through His people.
The next time, a loved one or friend needs comfort, please consider offering them more than a blanket, a hug, and a warm drink. Yes, offer those things, but please also offer them courage, and strength. Cheer them on. Believe in them. Tell them they can accomplish whatever it is they are facing. They will thank you later, and God will be smiling from ear to ear!
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