E is for Encourager

1st Writes is participating in the 2013 April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

This year our theme is "Attributes of God from A to Z".

Join us each day as we explore

the characteristics of our awesome God!

Photo by Saad Akhtar

“David said, ‘You are the lifter of my head.’’

Psalm 3:3

Over 300 cards with words of encouragement have come to us during the past 2 years of my husbands’ illness!

So often in life, just like David, I get tired of the day to day trials. I need to be encouraged! God has an encouraging heart and He reminds me how much He loves me. He gives me the strength to get through each moment when I ask for His help.

His encouragement comes in many forms. It may be in a quiet whisper to my heart or it may arrive in the words of those cards sent by others who have responded to His gentle urging.

He encourages me by reminding me that I am not alone. I only need to listen for His words of hope and eternal encouragement.

Like David, I must know where to turn when I am discouraged! God will provide a ray of encouragement on the cloudy days and He will lift my head and fill my heart with hope in the most difficult of circumstances.

©2013 Cheryl Andreus

C is for Comfort

1st Writes is participating in the 2013 April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

This year our theme is "Attributes of God from A to Z".

Join us each day as we explore

the infinite characteristics of our awesome God!

Photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

“The God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our afflictions…”

2 Corinthians 1:3

Although he tried to hide it, I had never seen my husband so anxious. The next morning he was to be transported from our local hospital to another, further away, for heart surgery. I couldn’t go with him but would meet him there.  

He had never experienced anything like this. I prayed that God would be a real presence inside that ambulance! I also needed to feel God’s comfort because I was anxious myself!

When I knew they were on the road, I left to pick up our daughter who lived in another town. Due to heavy traffic, I was concerned that we would be unable to arrive in time to meet the ambulance.  Praying as I drove, I pulled back onto the highway. Much to our amazement and relief I was directly behind the ambulance carrying my husband! He was able to see us following along!

I had asked for comfort and God, Our Comforter, responded out of His love and awareness of our anxieties to comfort all of us! In the midst of our trials we can always call on Him and know that He will answer!

©2013 Cheryl Andreus