In
talking with my sister, she said, "Bubba, you should make them
available." Smart sister. In telling this to Renita and contemplating a
webpage she said, “You already have a blog; use it.”
Smart wife.
Here
is installment # 2. Have you ever
received a diagnosis of a sickness that just “knocked you for a loop?” Keep reading…hope the following will be more salve
for the soul...from the Wildwood.
In John 6:63-68, we find Jesus and His disciples, some privately complaining (murmuring), some that did not believe and yet, some that did. When Jesus asked would others go away after some had departed we see the answer of Simon Peter in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” Yes, through Christ and His word we are reminded there is life in Christ and His word—the great declaration from Peter. Today we ask Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” but, specifically, to Whom shall we go in times of trouble? And yes, in this life we will have troubles. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) and Jesus knew we would have troubled hearts (John 14:1-2), but He quickly assured us He would be there.
In our “To Whom shall we go” series,
let’s ask “To Whom shall we go when illness is diagnosed?”
SOME
THINGS ARE TOUGH TO HEAR
We are well aware of
our outward man perishing (2 Cor. 4:16) and one’s faith may be
strong, but when we receive shocking news of our health or of a loved one, it “stuns
and floors us.” I well recall the
afternoon I received a call from dad who simply said, “My son, I’ve got
cancer.” All I could do is rely on my
Savior and my faith in Him and it was to my Lord I did go. Chances are you have heard the same statement
or you think you might. Consider the
following to be of help:
1.
When you get tough
news, accept it. There it is. It IS there. Yes, it hurts, you cry and
you ache; it affects you and you think about it. BUT,
you know what you are facing...and it
is time to go to work. You are not
alone; others are facing it with you and others have faced it before.
2.
Look for the opportunity at that moment for strength and
comfort. That evening we had Bible Study and I announced about
Daddy--let me tell you...the beloved folks where I preach were right there for
their preacher afterwards…hugs, encouragement, tender words. One couple came to me with wonderful news
they were expecting their first child!
My, was I lifted up and comforted.
Truly, that evening there were many “Titus’” in my life. “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those
that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor. 7:6).
3.
See what the doctors say and proceed onward. Keep the
attitude that God is in control and good doctors can be better doctors through
the GREAT
Physician who is able to help them and comfort you. Let the doctors know the power of prayer is
evident in your life. “Confess
your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of
a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
4.
Take it a day at a time. If it is said,
"You have x months to live," well, doctors may know based on
experience but they are not God! This came to mind talking with Daddy one day.
His attitude, "My son, it is what it is. If this don't get me something
else will. Who knows...a heart attack could take me tomorrow...and you know, a
heart attack could take YOU tomorrow." He's right, friends. Let’s take the
day we have before us. We are only as
good as the day we have. Look at it by
scripture:
a. Take the day at hand and be thankful for it. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not
consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every moment: great is thy
faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,
saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him (Lamentations
3:22-24).
b. Fret not of yesterday. Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13,
14).
c.
Fret not of tomorrow. “Take no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”
(Mt. 6:34).
5. Look for little
victories. Seek the good in
every doctor’s report. Again, let that
doctor know you are praying for him/her and appreciate him/her. Have a little snack with the one that is sick
(Daddy loved little Krystal’s). Get out
and reminisce while driving around. Watch
that ball game or whatever is enjoyable.
Enjoy moments that you’ll never trade, you’ll never forget and you just
might enjoy that moment that you would have never had.
6. Don't blame God. When sin entered into the world in Genesis
3 through the serpents deception and mankind's accepting, God had the
plan in eternity before time began to get us out of it (Rev. 13:8). When sickness hits, it’s because of sin and I
lay the blame at the feet of the one who brought sin in the world and to be
honest, I'd love to slap Satan silly one day.
When problems hit, God is the One to turn to and we need to stay closer
to Him and not just call on Him when needed...we ought to need Him daily.
To Whom shall we go when illness is diagnosed? The Lord has the answers for He was diagnosed
with the sickness of mankind to bear it for us (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24). Has physical news today caused you to think
of your spiritual life today? Hear the
gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:10); believe what
you hear for it is of necessity (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16); respond
to the command of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38); confess
Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37) and
be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) for your sins to
be remitted (Acts 2:38) as they are washed away (Acts 22:16). Baptism will put you in Christ as
you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6).
You will be added to the church (Acts 2:47) as you walk faithful for
our Lord (Revelation 2:10).
Contact
the nearest church
of Christ
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