Have you ever seen someone who is suffering and in great pain but is joyful? I have. It is extraordinary to witness. Only God through Christ Jesus can give indescribable joy in the midst of great pain and suffering. As we are on the heels of Easter, the day we commemorate Christs' resurrection, I can't help but think of His pain and suffering. He INTENTIONALLY endured the pain and suffering for our benefit. Through His suffering we were given the privledge of becoming God's children--heirs. In Romans 8:12 says Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
I've previously mentioned the recent passing of my friend Jenny. Cancer took her life at 39 but while she was here she had that indescribable joy. I have another friend who is on her second regime of chemo and radiation--she was full of joy on Easter. And yet another friend who will have surgery in a week to remove a mass. She has such a peace about what is going on in her body. She has complete faith that God is in control of her situation. All of these women share in the suffering of Christ but also the comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:5 says For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
I believe each of these women, even though they are suffering, have an intimate relationship with our Savior. I know of another young lady who is suffering and has yet to see Jesus. I'm praying now that she will come face to face with her Savior and accept Him as Lord of her life. 1 Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. What comfort! God Himself will restore and make you strong, firm and steadfast. This is a promise of God and He keeps all of His promises!
I have learned that one of the best weapons we have is the blessing of standing in the gap for our friends and families. As Galatians 6:2 says, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Praying for these women is the best defense. Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17 A long time ago someone shared a story with me of how a friend of a hurting woman began praying that God would give her (the friend) part of the hurting woman's burden. What an incredible gift! She willingly ask God to take on some of her burden because it was weighing her down. This is a gift my friend--we can all do this--God commands it in Galatians 6:2. If you have a friend that is suffering or in pain reach out to them--pray for them--ask God to give you part of their burden. You will be blessed!
There is comfort in knowing that you have friends standing beside you. Make every effort to be a friend to others. We all need help some time. Ecclessiates 4:10 tells us, If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Live like you were dying! You only get one chance to live this life--make it count for the eternal kingdom.
