United in Sorrow and Joy
I just had one of those days that in one way was very difficult but it was a situation where I simply had to do what needed to be done. A friend of mine recently learned that his wife has a terminal illness. He discovered this and called me. I said to him, “Let me just be with you. I will just sit with you and we will talk, we will cry and we will pray. I am sure we will also pace back and forth wherever we are and we will feel that sense of frustration knowing that we have no control over our lives.” I also told him that we could at least celebrate the fact that everything is securely in God’s control.
Let me assure you, as well, that God is indeed in control of your life even during those times where it feels like your life is spinning totally out of control. The most difficult part I believe for many of us is reaching out to people in need, even when it comes to our family and friends. We put up a barrier to shield our hearts and protect us from getting too close to anyone. We don’t want to become too vulnerable and we certainly don’t want to show too many emotions.
If Christ was able to show forth compassion for people who were hurting, and if He was able to weep in the midst of intense sorrow, then so can we. Every single day we are surrounded by people who are hurting and who just need a comforting word, a hug and a hand to hold in prayer to the One who can meet our deepest needs.
We learn in 1 Corinthians 12:26 (NKJV):
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Please take time today to extend your hand and heart of mercy toward someone who may be suffering or hurting, trusting God to equip you to meet the need.
