These past few days have been such that I needed the Lord to give me advice; a word or thought that would soothe my aching and ailing body and spirit. Today, I received what I sought. In physical sickness I feel wretched and distressed. And, the hardship and hurting of others in need of health and comfort has also taken its toll.
I have been unsettled and ask the Lord the “why” of so much suffering within our congregants and within family and close friends. I understand we may never know the reasons for things that happen to us and to others. All I can do is cry out, trust and believe that His control over all that happens has reason not necessarily for me to comprehend.
The Apostle Paul, who had his share of suffering and discomforts in his life encouraged me as I read, “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times; the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I felt the reassurance in my body and spirit as I read this. Paul suffered in body and in spirit as he worked and served. His courage came from the Lord. His right and companionable relationship with God encouraged him and gave him the steadfastness he needed to continue regardless of the cost. Just as God was at work in Paul’s life; the Holy Spirit as he claimed it gave him what he needed to maintain and continue. And, thus, this is true for me. I must work daily to draw closer to the God I serve. He understands me, He knows me, He helps me, and He guides me as I call on Him in faith. Paul wrote it simply; it is those things that we cannot see now that will truly be forever. We just need to trust and believe that and wait it out…
ritasalomon 