A pastor was visiting a member of his church who had been hospitalized for many weeks. She was suffering excruciating pain. After praying with her he offered her a book and said, “This book brought me much comfort while I was ill a few years ago. You will enjoy it greatly and it will bring you much peace. It will be most helpful!”
“Thank you,” she answered. “I’m well acquainted with its contents.”
“Have you read it?” he asked.
“More than that,” she replied. “I wrote it.”
It is always comforting to be able to talk with someone who has experienced pains or problems that are similar to our own. They have been where we are and know and understand our pain or suffering, sadness or sorrow, fears and doubts, questions and concerns. There is a sense of understanding and that brings a closeness or connection.
And when we go through difficult times and are comforted by our Heavenly Father, we must realize that “God comforts us that we might comfort others who need comforting.” Often the “unwanted gifts” come from God as a “special gift” that equips us to understand, care for and help others when they “are going through the valley filled with deep shadows.”
Prayer: Help us, Father, to care for others the way you care for us. May we be open to Your grace that we may share it with those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
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