Encourage One Another

When reading my women’s devotional book each morning, I often pause to thank the Lord for my sisters in Christ who make these books possible.

Yet, despite all the years I have read these books, I did not fully appreciate them until the COVID-19 lockdowns took away my physical interaction with loved ones.

During that time, the story of Elijah also took on new meaning for me. He, too, was isolated at one point in his life (1 Kings 17:2–7). Even so, God provided for the prophet’s needs: fresh water from the brook Cherith and a daily supply of bread and meat, delivered by ravens each morning and evening. God provided for me in my isolation as well.

In one devotional book* I read during this time, some authors shared their struggles with losing family members, the grief that followed, and how the heavenly Father had guided them through these painful uncertainties. Other sisters shared about God’s protective covering when they and/or family members traveled on the streets and highways of life. Still others shared about the wonder of God’s great and marvelous creation.

One devotional especially stands out in my mind.

In her written piece, the author stated how God looks out for women in special ways. She lists women who suffered but were cared for by God.

The author reminded me that where there is no struggle, there is not much life, strength, spiritual muscle, or a trophy or crown.† Some devotionals that fed my soul also launched me into deeper Bible study and dialogue with the Lord.

One such piece reflected on heaven’s gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21). Pearl develops from a protective coating formed when certain mollusks are in danger.

It seems that we, too, must experience hardship—and God’s provisions—on our way to our heavenly home. This gave me pause for reflection for the entire day and beyond. I thank you, sisters in Christ, for recording and sharing your walks with God.

God allowed you to be both my company and my comfort during a very challenging time!

Jasmine E. Grant

* Carolyn Rathbun Sutton, ed., Covered and Carried (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press®, 2021).

† Sutton, 253.