The Upper Room Devotional for 13th February 2023

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. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

My first chemotherapy session took 10 hours in a room with about 20 other patients. In addition to the comfort my faith gave me, the kindness the other patients showed me on that first day was a real lesson in the fruit of the Spirit.

One woman, Linda, had been fighting cancer for a long time. When a nurse came to explain that her therapy had not been approved and that she would have to come back yet another day, Linda gave the nurse an exhausted smile. With kindness and patience Linda said, “I understand. Things happen.” Linda gathered her blanket and cane, preparing to leave. As she passed me, something — maybe the fear on my face — led her to come over and give me the bracelet she was wearing. She said, “I hope these two verses from Second Corinthians comfort you as they have me.”

While spending time in the hospital, doctors’ offices, treatment centers, operating rooms, and my home, I could look back and see Linda’s face as she gifted me with scripture. Though she had surely suffered much, she took the time to reach out and comfort me. I never saw Linda again, but I felt the need to share her story and the gift of comfort God gave me through her.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the people you send to us in our times of need and for the comfort they offer. May we, in turn, be faithful to comfort others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Those undergoing chemotherapy