God's Comfort Through Friends Who Understand

Written August 1999

God's Comfort Through Friends Who Understand

II Cor. 7:5-6

5 For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

Lord, I can sort of identify with Paul today, the "NO REST" part. I'm troubled, too, because my little children need me. There are some needs here that are not being met, and just as I begin to feel well enough to begin to meet those needs again…BOOM!…I'm back in bed
sick or at least here in my chair not feeling well enough to do much. Lord, I see here the word "fightings" means "BATTLE". Yes, Lord, I do feel like I'm in a big battle, a raging battle-the battle of being wife and mommy versus being a burden to my family. Although fear is sin, Paul here admits his fear and humbles himself. I can relate well with his struggles and weaknesses! Help me, Lord!

6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

Hallelujah! Thank-You, Lord, for giving Paul comfort through a brother in the Lord, and thank-You, Lord, for comforting my heart, too, though Share, Care, and Prayer, Inc., P.O. Box 2080, Frazier Park, CA 93225. They have supplied tapes and books with valuable information and sisters to write to who understand my chronic illness. Thank-You, also, for Jan Markell's book, Waiting For A Miracle and part of her poem below from pgs. 32-33, which truly speaks to my heart. Jan has been a "Titus" to me even though she may not know it. Lord, I just pray that all who read my writings will also be comforted, knowing that they are not the only ones who are experiencing the "torment" of chronic illness. In Jesus' name. Amen!

I'm Weary Today, Lord

…
Forgive me, Lord,
for self-centered introspection,
for being insensitive to others,
for making demands,
for thinking I am so special,
with unusual needs and rights,
and a title claim to the good things in life.

Help me, Lord,
to see Your handiwork in my failure,
to exalt You in the midst of distress,
…
to have a quiet spirit when I am overlooked,
to smile even if I'm misunderstood,
to be joyful though my mind and body ache,
to love when I feel the most unloved.
Amen.

-By Jan Markell

Used with permission to share with you, my friends, but please don't copy or forward.