Today’s scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (James Hendrix):
My friend’s father is facing a terminal illness. Dan–not his real name–is the primary caregiver for his elderly father. I met Dan two years ago, and we developed a friendship. Both of us enjoy watching NBA games, so we usually talk about our favorite teams, individual players, and upcoming games. We also share a fondness for jazz, which makes for ongoing conversations about jazz legends.
As I have gotten to know Dan better, I frequently ask him about his father’s progress. Dan’s reports are often discouraging, and it now appears that the treatments his father is undergoing are not working. Caregivers often feel stressed, and as I listen to Dan talk about the numerous doctor appointments he takes his father to each week, I hear weariness in his voice. With the increasing stress he faces each day, Dan now looks tired, and more often than in the past, he seems lost in sadness and despair. He tells me how difficult it is to watch his father–once a strong and healthy man–become frail and lose control of his body. He also speaks of the sorrow he feels when he thinks about his father’s impending death.
Although Dan never talks about faith or a belief in God, he has asked me to pray for his father, which I am committed to doing. He also has questioned why a loving God allows his father–and others–to suffer. Often, I do not know how to answer his questions, so I find myself searching my brain for an answer, looking for words that will comfort and reassure him. Even when I offer a response, I often make generalized comments about the future such as “things will get better,” or “everything will work out.” A few days ago, however, I realized that rather than saying something that does not mean anything or does not help, I simply need to listen to Dan. I now understand that I do not always need to provide answers to his questions. Instead, I simply need to be present with him in the moment and not try to fix his anxieties. More than anything, I believe it is important to show Dan that I am a dependable friend who will sit with him, share in his moments of distress, and encourage him. Perhaps I can even share his daily burden by running errands, cutting his grass, or providing a meal for him and his father.
Proverbs 18:24 speaks of a friend “who sticks closer than a brother.” I sense that is what God wants me to be for Dan. In fact, Christ may be calling you to be such a friend to a brother or sister who is hurting and feeling discouraged.
Prayer for the day: God, as your servants, use us each day to spread your message of love and healing to our brothers and sisters. Shine your light through us so that others may see and glorify you. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.