“He himself bore our
sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live
for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
We had one of those dreaded early morning calls. With so many in our household right now, emergencies come more often. This time, it is a call for my daughter-in-law. A close friend of hers is in severe pain and needs to get to the hospital. She has no money or insurance to pay for an ambulance. My daughter-in-law willingly gets up and goes to drive her.
I get a call a few hours later - they found a blood clot close to the pancreas. As of right now, the next step is uncertain.
I immediately turn to prayer. It's becoming more and more of a second nature for me. It's not always the first thing (as I wish it were) but it is becoming a habit.
I often wonder how folks can handle a life crisis without prayer, without believing that there is a God who cares and is willing to help - wanting to help - waiting to help us through.
I think of my daughter-in-law's friend. Does she know Christ? Does she turn to Him?
Or is she there alone and afraid, not having any real comfort. Would she even want to hear that God is there? Or would she just close her ears.
As I pray, I ask God to use this time in her life to draw her to Him. I pray for comfort. I pray for a good result.
Yet my mind lingers on whether or not she knows God. I feel a gentle nudge. No - I am not physically able get to the hospital to see her. I can ask my daughter-in-law to tell her I am praying. I can find a card to send to her.
My heart begins to ache for all those who go through life without knowing the comfort of God's presence. I want to weep for them. So much pain.
Dear Reader, if you are searching for comfort from your own pain, I pray you can bring that pain to the foot of the cross. No, it might not bring the physical result you desire, but it will bring you comfort beyond measure. It is your relationship with God that will be healed. There is healing beyond the physical: emotional and spiritual hurts will receive His healing balm.
Father God, I pray for each one who reads these words and ask that they come to the place where they have the assurance of Your comfort and Your love. Bring peace. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ - Yeshua - that as you have promised, your words will not return to you empty*. Amen and amen.
*so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-12
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