Comfort and strength during trying times.

 

I have been ill during the last two weeks. And I am still recovering slowly. I experienced life-threatening events, unconsciousness, pain, stress and many kinds of trials and tribulations. 

And then my friends in the Lord started praying for me.

The love, care, faith and commitment of those who willingly shared my pilgrimage, turned the tide, because God is our strength and our salvation. He answers prayer. And we trust in the Lord for healing and encouragement.

When I was able to, I looked to the Scriptures for comfort and strength.

I remember the words of Isaiah 50:10: “Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the Name of the LORD and rely on his God.” During every challenging time and when we look for answers and direction, Isaiah tells us to entrust it all to the Lord.

 

The reason we can trust the Lord with our lives, our circumstances and trust him to overcome the challenges that we must deal with, is because of his ‘Name’. The Lord’s ‘Name’ speaks of his never-ending goodness and of his commitment to us. The Lord took an oath by his Name to be our God. The Lord we trust continues to be good and committed to all of us.

We know this, because he didn’t spare Jesus to make us his own.

 

Always uphold your brothers and sisters in prayer, intercede for them, fast for them, and let them know you are walking closely with them, in love.

As you do that, let me share Scriptures that we can be praying for each other’s during these trying times:

• Pray that the Lord might strengthen suffering fellow believers. Because God answers prayer.  James 5: 16 – 20.

• Pray that as the Lord knows us and our circumstances, we might know that God holds us and continues to guide us.  Ps 139: 1 – 3 9,10.

• Pray that the Lord will give them comfort as they come to him for wisdom and answers. Ps 55: 22 and 2 Cor 1: 3 and 4.

 

And as a church community I am asking you personally today to pray for all who experience pain and helplessness. Pray in your small groups, and during your family devotions and your quiet times with our Lord.

 

Let your fellow believers know that they are not alone, that we stand together and that the Lord journeys with us. In our challenges and our weakness, may the Lord give us the faith and strength to walk his journey together, as one!

 

I look to the Scriptures for comfort and strength. Only through his Word and his Spirit will he guide, protect and keep us. Because Jesus is our help and our salvation.

 

And now, let us put our trust in Christ who saves and sustains, and the love of God will carry us through every test and tribulation. Until the end.