Posts Tagged ‘comfort’

Where is Hope Found?

Monday, June 13th, 2011

This week I’ll visit a childhood friend who’s in hospice after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. She underwent a bone marrow transplant this spring. On day 100, the doctors told her that the transplant won over the leukemia. That was the good news. The bad news was that another form of cancer—this one untreatable—had invaded her bone marrow. Her family met and discussed the options. Together they decided it was time for her to rest, and for them to spend as much time together as possible as her journey draws to a close.

When I learned of her situation, I felt an inexpressible sadness on her behalf. We’re the same age. Our kids are the same age, too. And we both have grandbabies. Frankly, I cannot fathom how she must feel saying goodbye to those she loves.

I spoke with her by phone last week. Though her voice was weak and her words somewhat slurred, she said, “I have peace.”

How can my girlfriend make this statement in the midst of such difficult circumstances? Because she knows God’s promises. Psalm 119:49,50 say, “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.”

As my girlfriend prepares to take up residence in heaven, I imagine that the promise found in John 14:1-3 gives her great comfort:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.”

I’m wrestling with my friend’s situation. When sadness overwhelms me, I turn to God’s promise of eternal life, and I find hope. His promise revives me and gives me comfort.

What promise gives you hope and revives you in the midst of trouble?

Photo courtesy: www.christianphotos.net

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A Prayer for People in Pain

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Yesterday was unusual in that bad news arrived three times.

One of my friends, a woman I’ve known for 25 years and who ministered with us in Poland this summer, was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with leukemia on Monday evening. Then there’s my daughter’s friend whose 2-year-old was diagnosed with the same disease on the same day. And then there’s a beautiful young pastor’s wife who just discovered she has a brain tumor.

My mind can scarcely comprehend the shock and changes that these folks and their families are facing right now. As I wend my way through my to-do list, I pray for them often and ask God to be their strength. I ask Him to comfort them, to remind them of His presence, and to touch their bodies with His healing hand. And I admit, I wonder why He has allowed these things to happen to His children.

I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that the news about my friends didn’t surprise God. He’s in control, and He’s promised to be with them. No matter what happens, they can be victorious because of His faithfulness and unfailing love in their lives. My heart’s desire for them is based in Psalm 40:1-3…

“Dear Father,

I pray that my friends will wait patiently for You to help them. Turn to them and hear their cries. Lift them from the pit of despair. Set their feet on solid ground and steady them as they walk along. Give them a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to You. Amaze others with what You do on their behalf, and use their situations as a catalyst for others to put their trust in You. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”  

Do you have friends or family going through a hard time? If so, please feel free to adapt this prayer for them or to pass it along to someone who can use it.

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The Illogical Path

Friday, February 19th, 2010

(I’m at Missions Fest Alberta in Edmonton today through Sunday. Join my workshop on Saturday at 1:30 or stop by our International Messengers booth and introduce yourself!)

I admit it – sometimes I just don’t understand God. Why does He drop detours in my path when I’m trying to travel from Point A to Point B? Doesn’t He know that changing my direction messes up my plans? Doesn’t He know that His path sometimes requires more time than I’d prefer to spend on a particular journey?

Of course He knows. And when He chooses a particular path for me, it’s because He has a reason! Exodus 13:17,18 illustrates this beautifully: “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, ‘If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.”

God could have led the Israelites on a shortcut – the path that seemed best according to human logic – but doing so would have taken them through Philistine territory and risked a war with the enemy. God knew that engaging in battle would have proven too much for His people. And so, He led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness to the Red Sea. The path that seemed illogical to the Israelites was actually planned with their best interest in mind.    

I’ll repeat that last sentence even if only for my own sake: The path that seemed illogical to the Israelites was actually planned with their best interest in mind.

This thought brings me great comfort and reassurance. According to the Israelites’ account, there’s no need to be afraid when life takes unexpected detours. There’s no reason for impatience when a long and winding road takes more time than a shortcut. There’s no need to divert and dash a different direction. If we’re in right relationship with the Lord and He’s our Leader, then we can trust Him and His ways. He knows the dangers that lurk and the battles He wants to avoid on our behalf.

What battles have you avoided by staying on His path?

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