Unless one has been very hungry, he has no idea what a morsel of food given in true love for another means to the one who is hungry. To the receiver, it is a "feast".

Unless one has lain in a cold place, shivering, all curled up to retain body heat, can one realize what it means to give a covering to that soul. That is why Jesus says to be ready to give your own coat. Are you ready to exchange places with that person? You may be asked to do just that.

I believe that God has allowed these people to be put in our path to test just how pure is our heart. Do we just mouth "God Bless You" or do we gladly become the means through which God is able to bless the needy.

When we become torn in our spirits by events that seem to leave us feeling like a pin cushion, asking, "where can there possible be any more room for another needle to be pushed into our cushion", you can be sure that God has the answer by these words taken from today's scripture reading:

"Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good, and that out of apparent evils a real blessing shall ultimately spring—that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily, or most assuredly support them in the trouble, as long as He is pleased to keep them in it."

I know it is much easier said than done but God's Word does not lie, therefore to hang onto His promises, you know it will deliver in His Own time, always perfect and always timely. I know because I have been at both ends of the examples I have given.

You know, when there is no more moisture to make the tears, the head clears up and God's sunshine penetrates through. It never fails.

To all that are in need of answers from Our Father, please cling to His Words of Promise.

You see, we need to go through hard-ships in order to understand how great the answer is that He provides.

Gerlinda