A friend of mine has developed shingles. This is a very harsh illness that generally springs up during high stress times for those who have had chicken pox. Her physician told her as long as it’s covered up no one should catch it from her.
Aren’t we like that? We have hard times, disturbing diagnoses or family troubles. We may share with close friends or family and we hope they will join us in prayer for healing. And it’s as though you hear the enemy say “as long as you keep it covered up”.
Oh beloved nobody is totally immune from the painful rash of heartache. You may not have been the source of it but you’ve caught it just the same. Shame. Disappointment. Loss. Depression. Sorrow. More. You may be rejected by others who don’t know the whole story. But you can’t help that. You’re getting lonelier and lonelier. And you see no end in sight. You may have thought the struggle is no longer worth the pain.
I can’t promise you a pain free life with no symptoms from a fallen World. But I can promise you that God will carry you through every step of the way. I can’t promise eventually reconciliation will come. But I can promise you God will give you a heart of compassion for others as a result of what you are going through. I can’t promise people won’t walk away. But I can promise God will give you new relationships – friendships in faith to sustain you daily.
God loves you and He’s for you. He knows what’s under your sleeve and He’s not afraid of exposure. Trust Him, share His love with whoever comes your way, thank Him for the balm of The cross. He will anoint you with His joy and immerse you in His hope. And then you will live in the Light of His Truth about you and your life.
Psalm 119: 28 “My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.”
1 Corinthians 1: 9 “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
2 Corinthians 13: 11 “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Isaiah 46: 4 “I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
