Minute Musings...Intertwined

I was reminded again last night of just how much our lives intertwine with others.  How
what we've gone through in our lives can be a help to others.  But are we letting it?  Are
we using the knowledge that we've gained from experience to equip others that are facing
the same challenges?  Or are we content to just sit and be glad it's over.  The Bible has
something to say about this!

2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4  "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the
comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

The pain and suffering we go through is not just to teach us and draw us closer to the
Lord;  we are to take what we have learned, and the comfort we found in the Lord and
share it with others who are struggling through the same trials that we did.  Who better
to help them, then someone who knows what they are dealing with.  We experienced
the comforting hand of our loving Heavenly Father in our hardships;  it is expected of
us by God, to pass this comfort on to the hurting that surround us every day. 

Don't you feel fortified and strengthened when someone comes up to you and gives you
a hug, while telling you that they understand, and that they will pray for you!  That always
gives me that little extra bit of encouragement that is needed some days.  Just knowing
that someone cares and is thinking about you, can change the course of the day.  It doesn't
take that much time out of your day to pick up the phone, or send someone a card or email. 

Remember, that the best advice is always to point them to the Lord, He and He alone is
their ultimate encourager, strength and comfort.  Matthew 11:28  "Come unto Me, all
ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."