A pastor was visiting a member of his church who had been hospitalized for many weeks. She was suffering from 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 pain 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 that brings a closeness or connection, a bond and a blessing.
When we go through difficult times and are comforted by our Heavenly Father, we must realize that “God comforts us that we can comfort others who need comforting.” Often the “unwanted gifts” of pain and sorrow come from God as a “special gift” that equips us to understand, care for and help others who “are going through their valley with dark shadows.”
Prayer: Help us, Father, to care for others the way You care for us. May we be open and accepting of Your love, mercy, and grace so we can share it with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
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