God of All Comfort
The nurse called out a name. No one moved. The name was called out a bit louder and there was movement to my left side. A gentleman stood up and stated to the nurse that it was ‘this lady here’ but she was hard of hearing. I turned to see an elderly lady in her dressing gown, sitting in a wheelchair.
The nurse came over pushing a blood pressure machine on wheels. After taking the lady’s blood pressure the nurse went back into rooms on the other side of the sliding door.
A very chesty cough could be heard over to my right, behind a barricade. The few people sitting there were suspected covid patients and were waiting on their results before the nursing staff decided where to put them.
As the morning progressed more patients came into the waiting room. Mother’s with their young sick children, men limping….. another elderly lady in a wheelchair.
In walked a teenager with, I assume, one of their parents supporting one of their arms with the other and their winter jumper swinging from their waist. A football injury I suspect.
Unless you were a child under 18, you walked in alone. No one to help you. No one to sit with you. No one to share the load. No one to look out for you. No one to hug you……and I was blessed that I had only 6 hours to wait to be seen.
As I followed the nurse in after I was called, I noticed another nurse wheeling the lady in the dressing gown into a cubicle near me.
As I waited to be seen by a doctor I heard the nurse repeat the lady’s name many times, quite loudly. Asking her if she was……. As the nurse could be clearly heard by me, her voice sounded a bit frustrated because she was not getting the answers she needed from the older lady.
I thought – ‘where is her help? Her carer? A family member to help her?’ …… She needs assistance but because of covid protocols no one could be with you.
I prayed for many in that emergency room that night. That God would be with the people in their suffering, in their loneliness, in their pain……. I knew my GOD was with me, but did others know?
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 NIV
At no time was I afraid, for I knew God was with me, holding my hand, guiding the nurses and doctors…… My heart was turned towards all the others that were sick…. Towards my husband by himself…. Towards the nurses and doctors working so hard…. Oh God be with them all.
This is my comfort in my distress,
Psalm 119:50 NRSV
that your promise gives me life.
Send that elderly lady help. Send comfort to the lady across the corridor because in her voice you could hear her fear, her desperation…. She wanted to go home. To go to her familiar surroundings, to her loved ones.
God send them your LOVE. May they know that they are your family. Help them. May they know “that you are with them always…..”
My degree of compassion went up that night. Lord fill me with your loving compassionate heart and show me how can I help?
May these jottings from my journal inspire you to believe in and fall in love with Christ- the hope of the world, as stated in Jeremiah 17:7, ‘Blessed is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord!’
Love
Rosemary
Every week groups of ladies meet together to chat about the things I raise in my weekly blog post and to chat about life in general. We call these ‘Heart Connect’ groups. If you would like more information please click HERE.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How can you show compassion to others?
Do you know God as a comforter in your life?
17 Comments
Vivienne
I thank God for your wonderful faith Rosemary that you share with us. May The Holy Spirit continue to be your Comforter & Guide with a full recovery. You’ve had quite an ordeal, & through it all, thinking of others. Blessings & ❤️ Vivienne
deb
I’ve been praying for you, Rosemary, and i’m thankful you are so much better! I had an experience in the ER recently, but we were not restricted by covid. Still, the medical staff worked so hard, every minute, trying to take care of all who waited for care. I was moved to pray for those waiting to be helped, some in real pain, and praying for all of those fellow brothers and sisters to be comforted and looked after. I prayed that God strengthen the staff who looked so exhausted. Prayer is always something I can do for others when no other action can be done. Thanks for your insightful words- I look forward to your return to the ministry. I haven’t forgotten prayers for Bruce, too! He loves you so! God bless you both!
Yavitrie Adhar
God is our healer, he is our comforter. Wish Rosemary speedy recovery 🙏.
Cindy Blum
A teaching to take our eyes off oneself, Gods with us always and to focus on others distress, pain and worry. Prayer is the answer🙏🏻
I pray for your speedy recovery.
Carol Eslinger
Rosemary,
You are so inspiring.
I am so glad you are feeling better.
That’s not a very fun situation as far as the hospital policy.
I know you were worried about Bruce and we certainly know he was worried about you.
I love listening to your messages and reading your jottings.
Thank you for all you do.
Kathleen Finamore
Was thinking about you today hoping Bruce was able to visit with you … put his mind at ease . Your prayers for all those around you were surly heard .. so many poor souls in such distress .Praying you will be home soon and feeling much better . God BLess
Mary Ann
Bless you abundantly and thank you for your ministry Rosemary.
Praying for you and the family & team. Even after your traumatic time you are still helping others. It is so vital what you do as so so many are hurting and don’t have the faith we do.
Your experience and sharing it has strengthened my prayer for those I can help in my life either through prayer or practical help.
Maria De santis
What a beautiful inspiring woman you are Rosemary and your faith is something special
I hope you are recovering well and back with your group soon
Blessed be
Carmel
Thank you so much Rosemary for your inspirational jottings.
I am amazed you are back doing your Ministry so quickly after your ordeal.
You and Bruce have both been in my prayers.
Thank you both for your commitment, each day I look forward to the daily devotionals, I have become closer to God and his awareness in my life.
God Bless you both.
Suzanne Horne
May the Dear Lord bless you and your entire Family. I am dealing with Covid as I write this and will not go to the hospital for that reason. I would be in the ER for hours without a friend, neighbor or Family member. My heart goes out to that elderly woman. Thank you for praying for her and all the patients awaiting medical attention. Jesus I trust in you ✝️💜
Pam
Peace and healing to you through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Take care.
Crystal Porter
God bless you Rosemary as you are in pain you are praying for others you’re truly are an angel in that hospital praying for others needs above your own. God bless and praying for your healing take care. Thanks for yours and Bruce’s ministry, we are truly blessed to have access.
Crystal Porter
God bless you Rosemary as you are in pain you are praying for others you’re truly are an angel in that hospital praying for others needs above your own. God bless and praying for your healing take care. Thanks for yours and Bruce’s ministry, we are truly blessed to have access.
Maria
In your ordeal, I felt you were at peace that God was right there alongside you. He had you in the palm of his hand so that you could pray for others. You are truly inspiring.
Pat
Rosemary, you are so awesome! Even when you are experiencing your own health crisis, you are thinking and praying for others! I am so grateful to have been introduced to Bruce’s ministry (and subsequently yours) back about 3 years ago at the beginning of Covid. You both have such strong faith in God and you are truly an inspiration for me. Thank you so sincerely! Wishing you a very speedy and complete recovery.
Jacquie
Rosemary, thank you for your compassion and kindness.With your faithful spirit I am comforted with peace knowing you share your thoughts with belief and encourage others. Thank you both for your share spiritual messages of hope and courage…be blessed.Wishing you a safe recovery,,,,,God bless
DiAnn
What an example of comfort our Lord and Savior can give us, if we trust and ask for his comfort. As Bruce says, “No matter where you are, God is” Thank you for sharing with us,even though you are going through so much now.