Event date: 3/16/2020 Export event Good Shepherd Lutheran Church / Tuesday, March 17, 2020 / Categories: Publications, Daily Devotions Daily Devotion March 16, 2020, Monday Here is a story (and some reflection questions added) from the 2020 Devotional booklet as written by GSLC member, Mary Naylor: I have always believed that God does not cause bad things to happen, but that He brings people into your life to help you get through them. This was never more apparent than when my husband, Dave, was diagnosed with ALS in October of 2007. He had just retired from UC in August. Needless to say, we were devastated. He had had the symptoms for about 10 months before, but we never expected that devastating diagnosis. Not long after the diagnosis, I was driving down Zig Zag Road crying and asking God why this was happening to us. I will never forget the feeling that a blanket or cloud was surrounding me in the car. I felt such a sense of peace and calm. I felt that was God saying "It will be alright. I will take care of you." It brings tears to my eyes whenever I think back on that experience. I couldn’t have imagined the kindness and love we received from the church and from friends near and far. Dave didn’t blame God and his faith never waivered during his struggle with ALS. We joined the ALS monthly support group in Cincinnati that I continue to attend as it helped Dave and me so much. God did take care of us through our many friends who sent cards, made visits and phone calls, supplied meals and prayed for Dave. I truly believe that God did not cause Dave’s ALS, but He did bring many people into our lives to help us get through it. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Reflection Questions: Do you have a story like Mary’s when you felt God’s comfort and kindness in a powerful way? Can you tell that story to someone else so that they may find comfort in it? How are you experiencing God’s comfort and kindness in these days? How might God be inviting you to show comfort and kindness to others today? Prayer: God, help me to see the many ways you are caring for me and the world. Give me courage to show your kindness to others. Amen. Peace, Pastor Heidi Johns Previous Article Daily Devotion Next Article Daily Devotion Print 19371 Rate this article: 5.0 Tags: God sends help for the Lord your God goes with you He will never leave you nor forsake you Leave a comment Name: Please enter a name. Email: Please enter an email address. Please enter a valid email address. Comment: Please enter comment. I agree This form collects your name, email, IP address and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data. You must read and accept this rules. Add comment