Vintage

Twelve years ago Sela's husband died after a brief illness.  Twelve years ago Sela's own health was beginning to deteriorate.  Like many other African's in this situation, Sela thought she may have contracted HIV from her husband.  Unlike many other African's in this situation, Sela decided to get tested and find out the truth.  Twelve years ago Sela discovered she was HIV+.  Twelve years ago. 

Sela could have become extremely bitter at this point (who would blame her?).  She could have become a resentful person over the fact that she had contracted a disease that would eventually end her life prematurely in some way or other.  Yet Sela is a beacon of hope to hundreds of other women in similar situations.  Sela leads a ministry that gives hope, comfort, and healing to those who are struggling with HIV and AIDS. 

Why does she do this?    I believe it is because she has taken God's word to heart when He speaks through the the 1st century church planter Paul and says, " 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.(2 Corinthians 1)

Sela received comfort from her God.  Sela knows that she will not be alone in any suffering she must endure, but that God will be with her.  Sela knows that Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, suffered as we do and therefore understands what we are going through. Sela feels that comfort from Christ and desires to share that comfort with others.  She does not let her suffering "go to waste" but turns it into a blessing for others who also suffer as she does.

As you read this I have no idea what you have been through in life.  I don't know the pain and suffering you have had to endure.  I don't know what pain and suffering your are struggling through right now.  But God does.  May you receive comfort through His love and the power of the Holy Spirit.  May you cast your anxiety, your hurt, and your brokenness on the God who loves and brings peace, comfort and hope.  And then may you comfort others who are hurting with the same comfort you have first received from our compassionate God.  

Peace to you.