EMPATHY

^{(2 Cor.1: 3)} Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,⁴who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

I confess that this has been a hard lesson and one that has me questioning not so much, "Why me, Lord, but why now?" The obvious answer is, "it rains on the righteous and the unrighteous, but believing God causes "ALL" things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose," I search my heart to see if I can find a deeper purpose.

I have; more than one. It requires too much effort for me to type the reasons with a broken wrist. Suffice it to say, when I see others wearing a cast, I'll ask them if I can be of help! It's bad enough when it's not your dominant arm that's broken, but trying to do most everything with one arm and it's the "left," is awkward.

So, empathy, patience, trust, are some of the lessons coming out of this trial. Perhaps more are still ahead, but for now I can recognize those easily.

God is wise and I'm not all-knowing. I also know we have an adversary, the devil who would love to take "me" out.

(Job 2:⁴⁾ Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. ⁵ "However, put forth Your hand and now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face." ⁶So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life."