As he pushed my husband on a gurney through the dark outdoor paths of the old hospital, transferring his sick body from one place to another, I followed closely behind. Looking around, all I could see was concrete and alleys everywhere. There was no one is sight. I had no idea where we were or where we were headed. Like an out of body experience I watched myself take each step praying for healing and comfort with every breath. Behind me was another man, a paramedic, who looked a bit scary. I can still hear the sound of his huge untied combat boots stepping through the dark alley close behind me. I could feel his 6 foot-plus presence as I walked in his shadow and heard the sound of his large arms as they swished back and forth with his long steady stride. As his hands bent I could hear the sound of his gloves wrinkling in his palms. Without turning around, I sketched his face in my mind so I could remember him. I remember thinking that his jacket must have weighed as much as I did. He was BIG!

This event could have produced fear as my small female frame walked unprotected with only my lifeless husband and two men I didn’t know amidst winding dark hallways; but rather than fear, I was filled with overwhelming comfort and peace. I wish I could say that it was an internal peace, but the peace I felt in those moments came from an external presence that I will never forget. The sound of his boots, the swish of his arms, the tone in his voice as he talked so politely to me – God had sent him to me. I know you may think I am crazy, but I truly believe God sent that huge, scary looking man to comfort my trembling heart. He didn’t hug me or say a profound word like what you might think people need in tough times, but I felt God’s presence through him. I could see it in his dark eyes.

As I woke up the next morning and slowly made my way to the dining hall for coffee, there he was again. He spoke a few simple words, gave a smile and nod, but the peace and comfort he brought when he said that my husband was going to be okay spoke very loudly to my struggling heart. It was as if God had come down and used a frightening looking man, in huge untied combat boots, with a scar on his face to give me the biggest heavenly hug I had ever received.

As I remember the look in his eyes and recall his face to mind, the tears overwhelm me. God used him to show me that God knew exactly where I would walk that night. He knew that the walk would be long and I would feel afraid. He knew that I would feel alone. He knew that my heart was broken and hurting. He knew that I would remember that walk and He made sure his presence was presented in a fresh way. He knew I would go get coffee the next morning and see and feel his presence again. God knew I needed someone to comfort me, and God himself comforted me through that big man, the sound of his boots, his enormous arms swishing, his huge shadow and a few simple words. In Matthew 5:4 the Bible says, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” I am so thankful for the comfort that truly has come during some very difficult lonely walks. God walked with me through the dark alleys that night and down to the dining hall the next morning and he walks with me now. I am thankful that no matter how my tough times may make me feel, that God is there with me when I hurt, feel alone, or don’t know what the future holds. God is there, He knows, He cares, He comforts.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

God is with you today. If you are feeling alone, afraid, or a bit anxious over life’s circumstances, ask God to make Himself known to you in a fresh way. He may not show up in combat boots and a scarred face, but when you experience His comfort and peace, you’ll know Him.