Romans 8:18 &19 (NASB)
One of the most painful memories in life is watching our loved ones suffer physically or mentally. If we could, we'd gladly bare their pain for at least a while to give them a break if we could. Often, the disease or circumstance remains until God calls them home.
Those of us who know Christ as our Savior and Lord have an eternal peace because we have been justified and forgiven by faith in Christ. His grace also gives us a hope and promise that this life is not the end, but the beginning of an awesome eternity with Him in heaven.
Growing in Christ is sometimes painful, (both physically and spiritually.) Most of us will experience the pain of loosing loved ones, our own physical disease and decay and sometimes an emptiness that can only be filled by Christ. All three of these circumstances can draw us closer to Christ, if we let them.
"...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Romans 5:5 (NASB)
Ironically, there have been days my body has been stretched beyond what I thought ever possible to live through. God gives the strength, grace and love to endure a little more. Because of those times my faith, endurance, and even my peace about His Will for my life is at a deeper trusting level. Horrible storms in life have a beautiful way of developing a deep secure relationship in Christ.
Maybe when our loved ones are experiencing hard times we could encourage them to let Jesus cradle their broken bodies. If they're close enough to God and want to describe the tender lessons they're learning- absorb everything they're sharing. God may also want to comfort your hurting heart through their life and love they're willing to share. These maybe some of the most tender lessons you'll learn together.Knowing your loved one is at peace, will give you peace.
Please hug and hold them if they want to be held. I love being held by the people I'm closest to.(Honestly though, there are times when it hurts too much to be held. Most people will let you know if you ask.) Reading comforting verses may also help, ask them if they'd like to hear Bible passages.
In my own life looking back at both the good and bad that has made me who I am Paul's words describe how I feel the best!
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2 & 3 (NASB)
"For though I am absent from the body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." Colossians 2:5 (NASB)
