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Listen while you read: "Fight The Good Fight"1 (Lyrics) |
Recently, a fellow resident shared her story. In 1989, Dorothy's husband of 42 years suddenly died from a massive heart attack, just two weeks before they were to leave on a planned cruise. Her son, John, who lived nearby, was very concerned about her loneliness. He was very supportive, and to this day, although he now lives in New Brunswick, he speaks with his mother daily.
Nevertheless, quite understandably, Dorothy was quite despondent. Her doctor said to her one day, "You will be spending a lot of time alone. You must learn to like your own company!"
Dorothy tells me that this was a turning point in her life, and now, over 30 years later, she has survived a stroke and is still going strong.
Just as John was supportive of his mother, so was Jesus concerned about His mother being alone after He died on the cross:
John 19:26-27 – When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (NIV)
We are all created with a need for companionship. Indeed, if we go back to the story of creation in Genesis, God declared that it was not good that man should be alone. Not surprisingly, therefore, this is a universal need.
Currently, with the worldwide pandemic forcing us to spend more time alone than normal, loneliness is causing more widespread despondency than ever. In recent months, comments to this effect are probably the most common that I have heard.
Since Jesus is truly and properly man as well as being truly and properly God, it is wonderfully reassuring that He chose to share this feeling of loneliness in a dramatic way on the cross.
Matthew 27:46 – About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" — which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (NIV)
Just as Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, we know that He understands what life is like for someone alone. Perhaps that is why Scripture repeats so often the great assurance that if we accept Him as our Leader, we are never alone, for He is with us.
Hebrews 13:5b – For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV)
Matthew 28:20b – "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV)
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for teaching us that we never need to be alone. We are grateful that, even in these days of isolation, through Your power within us, we can learn to like our own company. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Pray: "December 3, 2024: Asking prayers for a young man , Ben who is suffering with brain cancer —..." 
That’s great. Love it.
Comforting words, Vincent. God bless.
A powerful story and so true, Vincent. God bless!
Thank you for yet another inspirational devotional from you.
Thank you for these thought…so timely in this pandemic and for those who have lost life partners.
Helps me today, Dear Vincent. Someone was telling me how much she and her husband enjoy your devotionals! I said I do TOO! Thank you for another good one.
Good morning Vincent,
Such good words, especially during this time of being locked in and locked down.
Thank you.
Yes, Vincent, isn’t that wonderful! Since business took my dear departed hubby away for varying stretches of time, God used that time of being alone to prepare me for widowhood. God is so good!
Thank you for your insights. I enjoy many of your writings and want to share with you, my thoughts. I see God speaking insight into you that you pass on and bless us with. Thank you! Stay well and God Bless!
Vincent, thank you for this piece. I think about families I know whose elderly parents are blessed to have supportive children who keep in touch. What a blessing they are! (And I am one of those blessed elderly parents.)
Hello Vince,
Thank you for this devotional. Yes, we are never alone when we have Jesus as our ever-constant companion.
Blessings.
Vincent,
You have given every lonely person who reads this writing great hope in their loneliness. During this time when people are weary and frazzled, Christ gives us hope through your welcome devotional.
Always enjoy your devotionals, Thank you.
Lost my wife a number of years ago and was very lonely.
God gave me another lovely lady, who had lost her husband a number of years ago.
So grateful!!
Good morning Vince
Thank you for another interesting and much needed to hear devotional. So many people are feeling the loneliness! But God is faithful, and I am thankful we are not alone when Jesus is our Saviour!!
God bless.
Dear Vincent,
Thank you so much for today’s message. How appropriate for these times. I was widowed two years ago and at the beginning of the pandemic I found living alone with all the restrictions so difficult. However, every day I commit it all to Jesus and I absolutely know that He carries me through. What a blessing to know that our risen Lord understands our every need!
Many thanks. May God bless you abundantly.
Dear Vincent,
I am sure your fellow resident appreciates someone who listens. We all appreciate people in our lives who listen and share with us, especially at this time. You remind us that there are people around to support us and that God is always there to support us. Your scripture passages highlight both ideas very well.
You have a great gift of taking everyday occurrences and helping us to learn from them through our faith and God’s word.
Thank you for always sharing your wisdom and helping me to remember to look at the positive in each situation. Blessings.
Thank you, Brenda.
Always nice to hear from you.
Thank you for sending this daily prayer for me and my family.
I just had to thank you for the devotional that was written by you.
The timing of your message was perfect, and I know I can thank God for that, too.
He is so very worthy of our praise, no matter what!