This morning I went to get my annual flu and pneumonia shots. While there, a co-worker that I had not seen in awhile was there. I was taken by surprise when I saw her. She had been in chemotherapy. I don’t know her well, but as I looked into her eyes I saw sadness, and knew she did not feel well. I asked her how she was feeling. The usual answer. “I’m fine.” I knew better. Her whole world has fallen around her and she’s scared. …but I also know that she is not a Christian, and that fact always leaves me feeling sad. In happier times this woman was outgoing, and now there is a mixture of emotions in her eyes. Fear, sickness, health concerns, family, questions…….so many things that burden our lives and leaves us feeling as though the sky has fallen in on us.

“And He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31

Our Lord felt that way too….so He understands us, the trials, struggles, those that forsake us, betray us, unkind to us, and hurt us in various ways even down to the hurt that no one knows. He understands our hearts and how empty those hearts feel at times. At some of the lowest times in my life when I felt all was lost, without fail, another Christian, would say something kind to encourage me, my burden lifted, and heart cheered. We know not whose lives are made better by a touch or a word. Our Father knows what we need most. He never fails to to care for His faithful child. He loves us. We are His greatest creation. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son.

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

I thought about the struggles that we all go through in life, and some we are just not aware of, for the person does not disclose the information. I knew she had been away for awhile, but did not think anything of it. People take absences to go on trips, various activities, so I had not asked the reason for her absence, so it did catch me totally unaware. ….and isn’t that life? It levels all of us at some point, but for the Christian, the faithful Christian, there is a grand hope beyond this life, and though we struggle with the same burdens as the rest of the world, our hope is in Him.

We are all in this school of affliction, and it lasts a lifetime. We only graduate when we die. All the more reason to be helpful, kind, encouraging to our fellowman, our neighbor, and who knows, our actions just may influence them, and they too will have that hope in Christ Jesus by becoming a Christian also.

“Hurting brings my heart to You, a Fortress in the storm, when what I wrap my heart around is gone. I give my heart so easily to the ruler of this world when the One Who loves me most will give me all. In all the things that cause me pain, give me eyes to see…….”

Alison Krauss – “There Must Be A Reason For It All”

Eileen Light