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by Ken Harrow (Author)
In 1970, a lady spoke a prophetic word over me that linked the words "Prepare the Way of the Lord" to my name. Since then Isaiah 40 has always been a key chapter for me. It tells what we are to do - to make way for God. The close of the first section tells us that, as we prepare the way (filling valleys and lowering mountains etc., ), the Glory of God will be seen by all people together. That has always been the cry of my heart. But a few months ago, in the middle of an extremely difficult time; I was led to re-read that chapter. This time, instead of beginning at verse 3, I went to the start of the chapter, which reads - "Comfort ye My people" and I felt the Holy Spirit was saying, "The church will not see my glory until she comforts those she has hurt." As I thought of the thousands who have been hurt in church situations - some of whom have left vowing never to return, others who are clinging on by their fingernails, but all who are hurting; I felt a pull of the Spirit of God to do something. This was compounded by 'chance' meetings with people who were in exactly this place - wounded people who had lost heart, had left churches and were sad. At the same time others were telling me of similar stories of loved ones giving up hope. The old 1611 English changed in my mind to "You comfort My people." And that is how this book came to be written. It was written particularly with Christians who have been hurt by other Christians in mind, but I hope it will also be of help to any who are hurting for whatever reason. My wish is that those who have been hurt may find comfort and healing through these words. I believe that the Lord is bringing back those who are hurting in readiness for a fresh move of His Spirit. I suspect that He is at work repositioning believers so that He can, at last, do what He told Isaiah He would do. I also believe that many of those who have been sidelined by the church will soon take centre stage. God works best through weak, broken people. Moses after he had murdered an Egyptian, David after adultery and premeditated murder, Peter after he had denied knowing Jesus on three occasions, the Prodigal after he had spent a fortune on prostitutes. The book is a step by step guide to receiving what the God of all comfort wants to give to the hurting ones - to the prodigals - to the poor in spirit. He will not break a bruised reed. He will not snuff out a smouldering wick.
