I have a friend whose daughter is suffering through some painful and unknown health issues. As I lift them up in prayer and offer words of understanding and encouragement, I am taken back to the time when my family and I were in the same boat.

We were looking for answers and didn’t even know how bad things had gotten until we found a few answers and I started to feel better. I continue with strict diet restrictions and a need for good rest in order to keep my health in check, but I am grateful for the health that has been restored to my body and am even grateful for the sympathy and hope I can offer to others who face similar challenges.

My question for you on this Wake-up Wednesday is: What is a challenge or difficult time you have faced in your past that now offers an opportunity for you to encourage others and offer hope? Let’s wake up with thankfulness to God for bringing us through those tough times and also gratitude for the opportunity to comfort others with the comfort we have also received (II Corinthians 1:3-7).