“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
photo by Karel Hadecek
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” – (The Message)
Herein lies the origin of the “Pay it Forward” phenomenon. He gives so that we too might give. He sees our need and provides, then soon after, there seems to be another in need in an area where we have just been supplied the very same help. Because we know of God’s great love for us, we are able to give it away. His love is not meant to be hoarded, but instead to be handed to every heart that comes near. His love is not limited, nor are His resources. He is our great Provider in every sense of the word, so we need not worry about our own resources running out – be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. He is our Source and will supply all that we need, as we need it. May each of us, as we have received from Him, in return, extend the same to another.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who does not walk away when trouble comes, but instead comes close and provides the comfort and compassion that we need most. Forgive us for hesitating to extend the same comfort and compassion to another, for fear that our soul might somehow be sucked dry. Thank You that You are faithful, and will supply all that we need, as You know our need long before we do. Teach us to trust You and to listen to Your leading so that we might be Your hands and heart to those who need Your comfort to come close and be made tangible. May all gratitude and glory be given to You, God. Amen.
Revelations In Writing 
When I read your writing I am ptompted to be a better Christian. Love always permeates the text.
I have a question, although my blog is not a devotional format, does it have an encouraging tone. I was concerned after reading your recent ‘soapbox’ reference; “Do I do that when I share?”. “Do I encourage my audience or eliminate?” Since many of my readers are from Facebook and my responsibility is to share Christ, I want to be sure I am on track. This is good to have me be aware! If you have time I would love upur feedback- Denise
Dear Denise,
Thank you for such encouraging words! What I have found in my limited exposure to your blog, are thought-provoking posts. Any time I am challenged to think or chew on what I read, I think it is good. My soapbox reference was merely a reminder to myself, to listen first, then speak as I am instructed. Each time I post, I pray first – that my words die and His remain, and that those who are meant to read it would, and those who are not, would not… He will speak specifics to you as you continue to ask Him to lead and guide you as you go.
God bless you heaps as you seek His specific instruction!
❤ Shannon