What Is The Difference Between Comfort and Grace?

Dr. Nick Castellano

Hello Church Family!

Dr. Nick brought a powerful message this Sunday as he shared his three-year journey through a kidney transplant and the unexpected complications that followed. What was supposed to be a routine procedure turned into five additional surgeries, intense pain, and a long season of recovery. He was very honest in admitting that during many of those difficult moments, he found himself seeking comfort more than seeking peace.

He reminded us that comfort comes from the outside in, but peace comes from the inside out. At one point, he realized he was “trusting in Nick with all his heart” rather than trusting fully in God. Many of us have been there — trying to hold everything together in our own strength. But peace comes when we separate ourselves from the circumstance and lean into God’s presence. It’s in that place of peace that godly wisdom flows.

Dr. Nick taught that joy fuels peace, which is why Scripture tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials (James 1:2–3). Joy is not a feeling — it’s a spiritual decision, an act of warfare, and an instruction from God. Instead of choosing worry, we choose joy because we have all power, dominion, and authority through Christ Jesus. As sons and daughters of God, we must remember who we are and walk in that identity. Jesus said, “Is it not written… you are gods?” (John 10:34), and Paul reminds us that we will one day judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). That’s the level of authority we carry!

He also encouraged us to be aware of what we speak over ourselves. Are we agreeing with fear, anxiety, or “I’m not enough”? Instead, he invited us to quiet our hearts before the Lord, breathe, and listen — because peace is spiritual, and it is available right now. Jesus called Himself “I AM” because His peace and His power are found in the present moment, not in past regret or future hope. When we seek first the Kingdom, everything else is added.



If you’d like to hear Dr. Nick’s full message and testimony, CLICK HERE.