January 24
Scripture: 2 Cor 1:4
Source author: Nancy Reinke
January 24
Pay It Forward He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. —2 Corinthians 1:4
Nancy, I don’t know how I’m going to live without Burton,” Renee said between sniffles. “I understand,” I said. “I know you do,” Renee answered, “you’ve been through this.” Renee had called to tell my new husband and me that her spouse had suddenly died. As she spoke to me of her grief, my mind traveled back four years earlier to when I lost my first husband, Jim, the same way Renee lost her husband. “Renee,” I said, “God loves you and has your healing in His plan. He carried me through the grief and gave me a new life. I never thought I could go on living, much less love and marry again. But here I am.” “I’m so glad God brought you into my life,” Renee said. “It helps so much to talk to another woman who survived something like this.” When the Lord took Jim home, I couldn’t imagine that He would bring Renee or others into my life to love and encourage, just as He has loved and encouraged me.
When we show love and compassion to others, we are blessed as much as they are. — Nancy Reinke —