For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36

On January 9, 2026, with the two of us remembering the 33rd anniversary of our daughter Becky’s death in a Seattle hospital, our cell phone rang with an unknown number and name. My wife decided to answer and gave me the phone.

On the other end of the call, an 81-year-old pastor of a church in the Florida Keys was preparing to retire after 40 years of service in Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida. He was calling to thank me for helping to prepare him as a pastor (along with other professors). After more than 30 minutes of conversation, we knew that God used that call to connect both of us with “the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33a). God brought comfort through the mutual loss of young adult children and encouragement through the shared joys of ministry.

Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO

Lord, thanks for connecting me with other believers for encouragement and witness. Amen.

Reflect: Seek God’s call this week for practical conversation with those in your life.

Read: Romans 11:33 and Romans 12:21