Guest Post by Author Jan Kent
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” II Corinthians 1:3
One can immediately see how this flower got its name! The larger petals resemble a heart and the smaller petals look like drops of blood. These perennial flowers have been growing wild for centuries in Asia. But it has only been since the 1800s that the Bleeding Heart has been cultivated in the Western world. This flower has not only been used as a symbol of love but also for the compassion we are to feel for those who suffer.
Today’s verse describes our God as one of comfort and a Father of compassion. He understands and feels with us our sadness and pain. His heart bleeds for the brokenness of our world. But He did not stop there. He did something about it by paying for the sin that allowed this brokenness to enter our lives. He knows when our souls are “downcast within us” even when no one else is aware. His comfort is a balm to the sorrow that our suffering brings.
He sees when I am overwhelmed with fear and worry. He cares when I am feeling too sad to get up from bed. Better than physical comfort, He gives me the amazing comfort of His love and goodness. He knows better than anyone else how to lift my head and my spirits. He brings to mind a song lyric. He uses a long-forgotten verse. And so often, He gives comfort through the encouragement of other believers. His heart bleeds for me and He asks me to have that same heart for the suffering of others.
Thank you Lord, for Your precious comfort and help me share it with others.
Meet Jan Kent, a missionary in France for the last 30 years, alongside her husband, Randy. Jan grew up in a Christian family and is a Biola graduate. After marrying Randy, God called them to France as church planters.
Jan has created women’s ministries in 3 French churches and is an international conference and retreat speaker. In addition, her devotional blog (DevotionsByJan.com) is read worldwide. She recently published a book, Picture the Scripture, available on Amazon (https://a.co/d/hGmFRdl). Her passion is God’s Word and communicating it through writing, teaching, music and even ventriloquism!
Jan is a mother of three and a Nana to four adorable grandchildren!
You can contact Jan at:
FaceBook Page: Jan Kent Speaker Writer