all the people in my life who are struggling with various difficulties:
my friend who recently had heart transplant surgery…
my friends whose daughter recently died from an accidental overdose…
my family members whose spouses both died within the last year…
my family members whose parents have recently died…
my friend who is struggling with serious depression and adjusting to medications…
my neighbor who had a cancerous kidney removed recently…
my friends who are struggling with finances and employment…
my friends dealing with the needs of aging parents…
my friends who have been struggling with heart issues and procedures and lack of energy…
my friend’s mother-in-law’s recent tumor scare…
and those who have not shared their struggles…
Amen.
I don’t always sit well with those who are grieving. I think it is because I feel so much of their pain that I don’t know what to do with those feelings. However, just because I may not be a helpful presence, it doesn’t mean that these people and their struggles are not at the top of my mind and prayer list. I turn my deep feelings into prayers on behalf of those struggling. We all know people who are struggling with deep grief. How do you share that burden with your friends and family?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
At one time or another we have all surrendered our “right” or our position or our opinion in order to keep the peace.
Of course, there are some who are more than willing (maybe too willing) to give in. And on the other end of the spectrum there are others who act like every discussion is a hill they are willing to die on.
Ever notice that some people stoke the smallest disagreement so it develops into a huge battle? These situations may be based on a small misunderstanding but one party cannot back down or have a reasonable discussion. Sometimes this happens with friends but it is particularly devastating when it happens within families. The rift in the relationship grows so large and involves so many people that it impacts generations of relationships. Some of these issues last decades and lifetimes.
And then hardship strikes.
Often death, diagnosis, or disability comes along to remind us all how fragile and precious life really is. Life is short. Life can be really hard. Ideas and principles are important but people and relationships are even more important.
There are times a tragedy can be a catalyst for healing in relationships.
Don’t wait for some disaster to offer the olive branch of peace in a strained relationship. If you feel you have been wronged, let the Lord avenge it. Your interpretation of the situation or what “offended” you might, actually, be a bit off base. Feelings often lead us astray. And there are many sides to a story. We are, hopefully, changing and growing every day and learning more about ourselves and the world around us. What was worth battling about five years ago might just be a blip now, considering the circumstances. Lost time cannot be recovered but we can move forward together and in peace, making memories along the way.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. [Romans 12:17-19 NIV]
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;one Lord, one faith, one baptism;one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV]
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,and do not give the devil a foothold. [Ephesians 4:25-27 NIV]
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. [Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV]
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)
This is a great passage to keep in mind. I actually learned it set to a tune by Integrity Music Scripture Memory Songs. They are a great way to hide some Scripture in your heart and mind. Whether you use music or not, it is important to take the time to study and memorize Scripture!
In case you do not have enough to pray for, I am going to let you take a little peek into my list. Feel free to share your prayer concerns in the comment section. Keep it to first names and you can include the state/country if you want. Don’t be too wrapped up in explaining the story because we know God knows and sees the whole picture so a sentence or two will do. I don’t want anyone to compromise anyone else’s privacy.
Sara in Nebraska–scheduled for hip surgery today, 5/12. Pray for accuracy of the medical team, successful surgery, and speedy recovery.
Ken in Colorado–has had several major heart procedures done this Spring following a heart attack. Pray for patience and recovery.
Karolina in Hungary–needs to fix up and sell an apartment in Hungary so she can return to college in August.
Justin in Ohio–is on a great mental and physical growth spurt! Yay! Justin is 8 and has autism. Please keep his whole family lifted up in prayer.
Joe in Texas–is patiently waiting for a full-time job to fully support his family. In the meantime the entire family unit is working together to get through this long bout of underemployment.
A struggling daughter of a dear friend–recently was beat up by her live in boyfriend. Pray for her wisdom, courage, safety, and much better boundaries overall.
Emily in IN–has recently completed all chemo and radiation for breast cancer. Pray for continued cancer-free reports.
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