By Pat
I am at a very difficult stage in my life right now, and struggling in several areas. But many of my dear friends are, too. It seems like no matter which way I turn, someone I love and care about is struggling mightily. The reasons vary greatly, and I wish so much that I could help them, but I can't. Not in the way I would want to, anyway.
I don't have jobs to offer my friends who are seeking employment, and I have no extra money to give out to my friends who are facing financial issues...but I do have the assurance that God has not forgotten them even when they can't feel His presence, and so I can remind them of God's words in Jeremiah 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Words to cling to...words of hope!
I cannot offer the right solutions to my friends and who are struggling with family matters, relationships going sour, or problems with children. I don't have the answers. They are tired, and they are discouraged. I can't solve their problems, but I can assure them that God will sustain them..." He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
To my friends and loved ones who are suffering physical pain and assorted health issues I can offer no healing touch, no miracle cures. I don't understand it, and would change it if I could, but I can't... I can, however, remind them that, as Paul said, God will somehow work through it with them. "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me, but He said to me 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' "(2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
So God can use me after all, to be a source of spiritual strength. He works through all of us to be His voice for those who are in desperate need of a word of hope and assurance. And isn't that really what we're here for after all?
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.