Photo credit: Ray Hennessy
We’ve been hearing this for years, “Everyone has a story.” If one lives long enough, there will be a story to tell. I have a story. Hubs has a story. My sister has a story. And, I venture to say YOU have a story too.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1.3-4
I’m not referring to our heritage per sé – I am referring to events and experiences in our lives, which have impacted the direction of our life. For me it was an unfaithful husband and divorce. That experience resulted in years of single motherhood. Then a second marriage. A new husband and all the dynamics of step fatherhood. And, on and on.
Now, at 60+ years old I am able to come alongside others who are suffering and walking in the same shoes I’ve worn. I can offer them comfort and hope.
This past week my daughter walked in her 2 Corinthians 1.3-4 with a lifetime friend – her experience could very well change the course of her friend’s life. Who knows? Ten years from now? Her friend may use her 2 Corinthians 1.3-4 to change another life.
It’s got the potential to change lives!
As my pastor says, “I’m all IN.”
What’s your 2 Corinthians 1.3-4? Are you walking in it?
Someone. Somewhere. Ask the Father to lead you to them. He will.
#hopechangeseverything
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Glimpses of His Beauty, Salt and Light, Warriors of the Word, Heart Encouragement, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Grace and Truth, Faith-Filled Friday, Seeking God, Glimpses of His Beauty.
Thank you to all who were able to give to the Bring Kolya Home Cause. The original post is here. There is still a great need and opportunity to SOW SOME GOOD SEED!
Ah … one of my favorite verses. It hang outside The Nest where I counsel women. It’s woven in my heart because I’ve seen God do far beyond what I asked or imagined.
That He can take our pain and ‘restore the years the locusts have eaten’ and then use it to cultivate an amazing grace toward others is such a miracle.
Did I tell you I love that verse?
Praise God!
I love that you love that verse. I believe all encouragers, all ministers of the Good News would just have to love that verse! xo Do you love that verse. LOL
Thanks, Susan. God never wastes a thing, does He?
Absolutely, not a moment of waste.
Hi Susan,
I truly believe that our lives and stories can encourage those we encounter — there are pieces of it that can relate to others — and I love how that is God’s plan to connect us to each other! I admire that you are brave to share the early pieces of your story, although difficult, but knowing they can touch someone going through a similar hard time. And I love it that God redeems our stories through others, too! xo
Glad to see you today, Valerie. I loved your blog post and the photos. So lovely.
Dear Susan, when our first child died, I thought my life was over, too. I went through all the stages of grief, and spent a long time resentful and angry at God. And then He wrapped me in grace by putting other women in my path who were going through the same loss. That’s when I learned that grace is God going beyond, and sometimes that means showing us a purpose for our pain. Blessings on your day, Brave and Beautiful One.
Oh Alice – you are living your 2 Corinthians 1.3-4 GOD BLESS YOU.
Just yesterday I visited someone in the hospital and prayed with them-something I never would have been able to do before I spent weeks at a time in the hospital with my daughter. God uses us in places and ways we never expected.
Amen. Amen.
Susan,
Unfortunately I share a similar story to yours – a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage, infidelity, and divorce. It was one of the hardest roads I’ve walked, but God was faithful to walk beside me and I believe, like the scripture says, we are called to comfort others in their trouble and God has given me multiple opportunities to bring beauty from the ashes of my story in being able to walk alongside others who walk this same path and encourage them that they will come through this and out the other side. I’m In! Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I knew you’d be ALL IN!!
God always amazes me that even though we can be in the darkest places of our lives there’s always someone that’s in a darker place. And if you move on the nudges that he gives to reach out to the peoples names he whispers, there’s always a word of comfort to share and 2 Corinthians 1.3-4 is a great place to start.
❤️
And, my friend, you know this better than anyone. Xo
Susan, that verse has been important to me since my first miscarriage when my pastor wrote it in the beginning of my Bible. Besides bringing me comfort, he told me that one day I’d be able to comfort others because of my experience. Sure enough the very next year a very close friend lost her baby. She appreciated it when I visited and said she knew I understood.
So, yes, I’m all in! There have been many other times in various situations that I have been able to comfort others because of the comfort I have received from God.
Blessings to you! I happen to be your neighbor at #TeaAndWord! Love you! xo
Hello neighbor! Tea and Word = such a great combo!
I don’t know how much I have encouraged anyone, but I certainly have enough life experiences to relate to a lot of struggles.
Trust me, the opportunities will come.
It is my hope that through what I’ve experienced in life that I would offer hope and encouragement to others. I know that God works all things together for our good if we allow Him to.
Yes He does and He will present opportunities sooner or later!
And you say you don’t mentor.
this is my passage for my new mentoring book…(: The Simple Guide to Coming Alongside.
Great post.
I don’t mentor, I 2 Corinthians 1.3-4!!!!!!!!!!!!!