Well, today, once again, I came face to face with my inadequacy as a Christian. I have a dear friend who is really facing some giants in her life right now. I tried my very best to help her through this difficult time. I felt that I would be able to do something for her. After all, I write books about how powerful my God is, that He can change lives. I just taught my class at church about Elijah on Mount Carmel, confronting 800 prophets of Baal, in a "My God is bigger than your god" battle, and I know that He is. I know that there is no problem that we can face that God can't handle. I know that there is no problem that we can face that God doesn't understand and care deeply about. I know that God can make the best come out of even the worst situation--He has done it for me.
But when I tried to help my dear Sister, I didn't have the words to say or the advice to give. I told her that God had a plan for her life. I said that she needed to trust God to show her what to do, that she needed to be patient, and allow him to work out the details. And I prayed with her (out loud, which I know most of you already know has been a hard skill for me to acquire). I said the best, most heart-felt prayer I could. And it was not enough.
Or at least it felt that way. I know that what I said is true. God will work out the details for the plan he has for her life. She can trust Him. But what if she is really just thinking, "That was nice of her to try to cheer me up," but she doesn't really believe it? I guess I expected some kind of miracle to happen right then. You know, tongues of fire, like the disciples experienced at Pentecost, or at least an overwhelming sense of peace, or something to indicate that God heard our prayers. How will she know that what I told her was the truth? What more could/should I have done? Or do I just sit back and say, "well, God, I did what I could. The rest is up to you?" (of course, it is!) It is just hard to try to help and not see any results. So, I guess I just keep praying and keep trying, right?
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Thinking about publishing your own book?
Find my books here:
About Me
- Terri
- I am a Christian writer with a heart for sharing God's love. I am an RN, and I work in my local church in children's ministries. I have published three books, "If God is Love, Why all the Pain" in 2012, "Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos" 2005, and "Joy for the Troubled Heart" 2007. They are available at all online booksellers and many bookstores. Great for sharing and for small group studies.
22 comments:
The Lord is the potter and you are His adaquate vessel. He made and selected you to bring hope, encouragemnet and comfort to your friend. The Lord may select other vessels to bring additional support to yor friend. You reached out with your faith in God. God has used your steps of faith and will use you again. Bearing another's burden is hard and we must transfer that to the loving shulders of Jesus. I know! It is easier said than done. You care for your friend and it shows. She knows it too. God bless you. I like to keep up on your blog. Thank you for the care you provide so well to the residents where you minister. Doug G.
Post a Comment