World Prayer Today

God’s comfort is real

“God’s comfort is real; His presence is vital; His words are life. He can become a mighty reality to you now. He wants to enter into your sorrow and sympathize with you.” -Dr. J. Vernon McGee, from his booklet ”Death of a Little Child”

In reflecting on the profound grief of losing his first-born daughter, Dr. McGee described the unique and devastating heartache of losing a child. Despite the deep sorrow, he affirmed that God provides unparalleled comfort and solace. That’s truth our fellow passengers, Josh and his wife, Emily, are clinging to as well. Here’s their story:

“The weekday messages, Bible Q&A, and Sunday Sermons have taken on a deeper meaning and that our God is the God of all comfort. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.’

“For the last year I had been listening to the daily program with my daughter, 8 years old, who had severe Cerebral Palsy. She loved Dr. McGee. She would laugh when he would talk about the ‘whosoever wills, and the whosoever won’ts.’ She knew and loved John 3:16 in a deep and special way that I hope to one day understand.

“She went to be present with Jesus on the morning of April 16, 2024. She is now free and completely safe. I must admit, I had hoped I would be able to introduce her to Dr. McGee, but I’m looking forward to that day when she gets to introduce me. Through your continued ministry and instruction, we have come to love the comfort that our God gives, and Dr. McGee’s booklet has helped us to see how God has opened up the true reality of heaven to us to keep us going here in this life. May God richly bless you.”

Josh, thank you for writing; our hearts are with you and Emily.

As we pray for this family, let’s remember all those on the Bible Bus who are grieving.

Lord, we praise You because You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Thank You for Your desire to hold us close and be present in our times of sorrow. In our despair, help us lean into Your presence and feel Your embrace. When we can’t pray ourselves, thank You that the Holy Spirit carries our groans to You (Romans 8:26). Help us to know You are real and comfort us so that we may one day be a source of comfort to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We’ll walk the sandy beach of the U.S. Virgin Islands as we pray together tomorrow. Grab your sunscreen and meet us there.