The God of All Comfort

I knew, but nothing had been confirmed, so two weeks after my father’s passing, I asked my sister for the exact time of his death.

I had an idea that when she shared the time, I would be able to pinpoint where I was around that moment that will forever be remembered as the day my life shifted—again.

On July 1, 2024 at 1:27 PM, God called my amazing father, Allie Peterson, from labor to reward.

I wanted to ask for several weeks, but I wanted to be sensitive of my sister’s feelings as she was with him when he passed. As we talked that evening, she shared with me that my granddaughter who was in my parent’s home at the time had used my sister’s phone to record the final moments of my dad’s life.

Myra had given Jewel her phone so she could watch videos and could be distracted as she and the hospice nurse were giving my father his bath. She had no idea that Jewel had shifted from watching videos to creating them.

As she told me what happened, I believed the time was right to inquire about his time of death.

When she showed me the video, I needed to go back through my own phone to see if what I felt was the truth.

I started a new job on July 1st and although I was excited about the new opportunity, I was hesitant about being away from home during the time my dad was on hospice. I shared my concerns with my boss and she granted me permission to leave early for the day.

As I was driving home, I called my best friend, Debra, to convey the details of my first day and to talk about my daddy. While talking to her I cautiously snapped pictures of the small community I was traveling through.

“I am going to send you something that is so significant,” I told her as I sent four pictures to her.

”Wow,” she said. “I think it is pretty significant that you are passing through Comfort.”

Those pictures were taken on July 1, 2024 at 1:33 PM.

I didn’t know that my father had just transitioned, but God did.

I would arrive at my parents’ home shortly after 2:00 and see my brother, Marc and my Uncle Handy standing beside the road waiting for me.

I knew before anyone spoke the words—I am not sure if anyone ever spoke them.

But I knew that my dad was gone.

I didn’t look at the pictures or think about the community of Comfort until I returned to work on July 15th.

As I passed through this time, I was reminded of the Providence and Omnipresence of God. As I looked at the places in Comfort, God was letting me know that even as I experienced the pain of loss once again, He was not far away from me. He was there with me all the time.

Today, may you experience the same assurance that I will treasure for the rest of my time here on earth, He is the God of all comfort!

My friend, you may be facing devastation or uncertainty about what is next in your life.

Be not dismayed, the God of all comfort is with you.

You may have unspoken pain, disappointment, or even grief as you navigate this season of your life.

Do not be discouraged, the God of all comfort will surround you with His peace.

You may be facing rejection or wrestling with feelings of loneliness.

Don’t ascribe to feelings of unworthiness, the God of all comfort is always with you.

It is my prayer that as you are strengthened and comforted on this journey, you will be empowered to offer the same comfort to those who need God’s comfort,

May He also send you a gentle reminder that during your hardest days that He has given you the strength and the comfort you need for the journey ahead.

Join us for our upcoming Grieving Well Support Group to connect with others and find comfort and hope.