Picture, if you will, a line of people. These people are from different backgrounds and families. Only one thing unites them, and that is the fact that all are incredibly thirsty. Each of them longs for a cup of cold water. Now, imagine the first in this great line being given a case of ice-cold water. With great anticipation, they grab a bottle and quench their overpowering thirst. The dryness and pain from the thirst are quickly forgotten as they embrace the refreshing liquid. After enjoying the comforts of the water, the person is refreshed and ready to pass on this wonderful gift. With great joy, they hand a bottle of water to the next thirsty soul - and the refreshment continues.

This may seem odd, but it sheds light on our place in sharing God's comfort. All of us have endured suffering. Like these people, we ache for refreshment from the pains of life. After wondering when it will end, God pours out His refreshing comfort in our lives, and we become encouraged. The danger is stopping at this point and missing the secondary blessing. Rather than selfishly holding on to God's comfort, we should share it with those still thirsting for relief. As God comforts us in our suffering, we are put in the perfect place to comfort others - and the refreshment continues.

Life Lesson: God is the source of all blessings, comfort, and mercy. When we pass on blessings or comfort or mercy, we are becoming more and more like Christ.

Dear God,
Thank You for the amazing comfort that I find in You. Because of Your love, I have peace with God and forgiveness for all my sins. Because of Jesus, I am free from the penalty of sin and no matter what happens on this earth, I will be healed and loved for all eternity. Lord, help me to remember these things and to pass them on to those who are thirsting for Your refreshing comfort.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
aboutthebridge.com
twitter.com/ccot