Recently, I had an unexpected and painful problem. God, in His infinite grace, sent me a friend who’d been through the same type of trial. She didn’t hold back as she shared her experience with me. Because of her love and honesty, I gleaned valuable wisdom so that I could handle the issue in a healthy way.

Likewise, when I became a widow at the age of 42, I experienced something that I never expected; and yet it happened. God again, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed me to share my story with widowed women of all ages and walks of life. These interactions end up comforting, encouraging and lifting us up. And we know we are not alone.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Father God, Your Holy Spirit is the great Comforter. (John 14:26) I’ve benefited from Your Comfort many, many times. Your Word tells me You love me and that I can trust You no matter what. You’ve got my back and You will help me with every single trial and tribulation that comes my way. My role is to trust and obey You; with Your help. When I look back over my life, I see Your beautiful Hand over all of it. I see the most growth and joy when things aren’t going the way I wanted them to. So thank You for problems and thank You for helping me to trust You more each day. I know everything will work out for good (Romans 8:28) because You have a plan and a purpose in every situation; whether good or bad. Amen.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

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