And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)
We are in the final stages of getting our new book Your Heart is an Open Book – Finding answers in God’s Word ready for publication. The devastating impact of the Coronavirus has been felt worldwide, and the dangers it presents became personal when I was stricken with Influenza. The high fever, chills, and relentless cough made me especially sensitive to the suffering being felt by thousands of people around the world. What good could ever come from this pandemic?
Then the phone started ringing. Mike and Kelly, the wonderful couple we had purchased our home from called to offer to pick up groceries for us. When they delivered the things we needed, they refused payment. Bonnie encouraged them to take the money and suggested they could use it to help others.
Next, two of the members of my sister’s Eastern Star Lodge called to make sure we were all OK. Our Realtors the Dembowski’s called to see what they could do to help, as did our friends Joan, Tom, Linda, and Laura. Matt and Lisa, a couple we had worked beside in the Saddleback Assisted Living Ministry, brought us extra supplies and left before we could pay them. All the while, our family members kept in constant contact.
Our daughter-in-law Nina touched our heart when she twice made the 3-hour round-trip drive to bring us additional items we might need. She and our grandchildren Sierra, Savannah, and Clay searched several stores to make sure we’d have everything we need.
For both Bonnie and me, being on the receiving end feels a bit awkward. For a change, we find ourselves unable to run to the aid of others, and we have been amazed by the feeling of gratitude that seems to expand with each new offer of help.
Do all things work together for good? It may not always seem so, but in this instance, we see the good in the hearts of those who have reached out to help us. We read on social media stories of how healthcare workers, first responders, even grocery clerks are literally risking their lives to provide for others, and we are in awe. The world is going to go through a difficult period of recovery, but so long as there are people who put service above self, we can all have hope.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
Blessings,
Your friends in Christ
COMING MAY 1st to AMAZON – a significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to charities involved in coronavirus relief, including Feeding America, Salvation Army, and Saddleback Peace Plan.
For more information, email: don@becausehelovesuspress.com
Because He Loves Us Press 