Our Help

How might you discover God’s comfort in a moment of need? Joyce Dinkins shares her story.

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Our Help

By Joyce Dinkins

We dragged ourselves out of bed before dawn and hustled to the medical facility a three-hour drive from home. We had had many appointments at different hospitals. Once we parked and found our way to the right entrance, we checked into the surgical suite, and searched for a spot to sit in the right family waiting area that was crowded with people. It took a few minutes to find a seat.

We saw two women on a leather bench in a corner of the room. They saw us, too, and began to remove their belongings from the bench where they were sitting, to make room for us. When we sat down, they got to talking. They wore brave faces but, as sometimes happens on our hospital visits, it turned out that they needed a reminder of their confidence in God’s comfort and control as much as we did—especially the sister whose husband was in surgery. They had travelled from out of state in order to gain the hospital surgeons’ expertise with her husband’s eyes.

God had led us through the large waiting area full of folks to just the right spot. I had lugged my satchel packed with pen and paper, a book manuscript I was writing, Steven’s medical records, my water bottle, our snacks, and plenty of facial tissue. Steven completely the medical paperwork he had to fill out. He then mentioned that I had recently retired as one of the editors for Our Daily Bread. I had actually chosen to bring the book God Is Our Help with the intention of comforting myself as I waited for the surgery to complete Steven’s procedure. It seemed God had in mind others He positioned for us to serve. Sharing comfort with others, we would experience His comforting power ourselves. We began talking about God’s goodness and affirming some of the ways He has helped us in our lives.

I opened to the first devotion, “Friendship Bench,” about a project in Zimbabwe that author Patricia Raybon attests is “launching in other places, including Zanzibar, London, and New York City.” That project encourages those who are “in despair.” How timely and particular God’s care is. In our case, we had an instant opportunity timed by Him to gently encourage the two sisters to remember who God is and all that He has already done. We pointed to the devotion’s Scriptures and said, “You already know God is in control. You know it is no accident that we sit here today; this divine appointment is orchestrated by our sovereign God.” They agreed. Then it was time for Steven to be prepped.

Before too long, our new friends’ family member was released and the sisters waved goodbye to me as I waited alone. Then, as I waited, another stranger walked over to where I sat. He had lost his computer cord and was searching for it. I hadn’t seen the cord, but I asked if he could use some prayer. He smiled, and instead prayed for me.

Surgery suites and other places of difficulty and even trauma are perfect places to experience and share God’s comfort, among those who suffer and may be wondering where to turn next. A perfect time to invite others to trust in God and pray and to trust Him ourselves. We all suffer. Very few of us ever turn down the offer to pray or to receive kind prayers in the midst. Soon I looked up and received the awaited notification that Steven was out of surgery and in recovery care. God had dominated every detail of Steven’s procedure, as He always has on each day of our marriage, at every hospital visit and appointment.

Between us, God has carried Steven and me through hundreds of medical appointments for physical and mental health, through childbirth, about a dozen surgeries and hospitalizations, intensive care, family members’ crises and hospitalizations, as well as loved ones’ deaths. We’ve gained an intimate understanding of receiving and giving comfort. We’ve been caregivers applying God’s words of comfort for one another’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. God’s Word is the best balm to us that never fails or runs out, and each of us has access through Jesus Christ, our Savior, by His Spirit.

When God gives us His comfort, we can share His comfort with others. He is our Help.

You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Trust in the LORD always,

for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3–4

Adapted from Not Easily Broken: Wisdom for Dating and Marriage with Christ at the Center by Joyce and Steven Dinkins. Copyright © 2026 by Our Daily Bread Publishing. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing.

Joyce Dinkins has been a professional writer and editor for more than 50 years, with a longtime commitment to empowering Black and underrepresented voices and serving diverse audiences. Her latest book, Not Easily Broken: Wisdom for Dating and Marriage with Christ at the Center, is co-authored with her husband, Steven Dinkins. Together, they love and lead their extended family and enjoy each other’s company on their 40-acre property near South Haven, Michigan.