"Consider it all joy, my brethren,
when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result,
so that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing."
I know so many who are living with pain right now,
whether physical or emotional.
They hurt...
and I hurt for them,
though my ache on their behalf
is surely nothing in comparison.
So while I can do nothing to take away their pain,
other than to express my concern and
assist in the little things,
I offer this prayer for endurance on their behalf.
Lord, You know.
And You have walked the path of suffering.
And that is why we rush to Your throne,
the court of the One who can sympathize.
I pray for healing and wholeness;
Your will be done.
I pray for relief and rest;
Your will be done.
I ask for freedom of movement;
Your will be done.
And I beg for a miracle;
still Your will be done.
But most of all,
I pray for endurance,
so that persevering
through the pain,
in the pain,
beyond the pain,
can have its perfect result:
a perfect and complete work
in the life of an individual
who longs to know You
and be conformed to Your image
more than anything else in this world.
And still, it's so hard.
And it's hard to sit by and watch
and care and ache for.
In faith, I ask for Your mercy.
And in faith I thank You.
Dear friend in pain, I care. Please take solace in knowing someone cares; in fact, I'm sure many care and would take away your pain, your trial, if they could. We can't. But we're standing in the gap for you, lifting you up to the Great Physician, the Wonderful Counselor, and asking for healing. We care.
Labels: The Summit
