Hard enough to make me wonder, yet again…
How in the world do people get along in this life without Christ? Without the hope of His coming? Without the thrilling knowledge that this broken, sinful world isn’t the end? How??
When I first received the news that I was going to be a grandmother, and the surprising circumstances that surrounded that fact, I was in a hotel room. It was the first time in a LONG time that I hadn’t traveled with my Bible. My physical yearning for the Word was so strong that it surprised even me! I had my “Bible for iPhone”, but in this instance, that wouldn’t do. I looked through every drawer in that room, until I found it…the Gideon Bible. After praising God for the Gideons, I went into the bathroom (so as not to wake my daughter), curled up on pillows in the bathtub and prayed the Psalms, alternately reading and clutching the Word to my chest through silent, body-racking sobs. It proved itself, yet again, “living and active.”
Somewhere deep in the night, I came across these passages:
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Cor. 12:26-27 NIV
The Body of Christ…a reminder from my sweet Jesus that I was not alone. I had not only Him, but His hands, His feet, His heart, here on this earth to walk with me…laugh with me…cry with me.
In that early hour, the Lord began to bring to mind strong, praying friends of whom I knew I could ask prayer, and even if they didn’t have all the details, they could be trusted to stand in the gap for me and my family. One by one their names and faces came to mind…until there were over fifty.
And pray they did (and have), emailing and texting me, calling me and sending cards; the Lord’s own sweet touch to my heart and words to my ears through His hands and mouth on this earth. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced, and exactly what those scriptures describe.
Fast forward to this week. More hard core “life” hitting us in the face. But, this time, it didn’t take the reminder from a Gideon Bible in the night to move me into action. I claimed those verses and put out an APB to the body of my sweet Jesus. Within seconds (literally) it responded.
“Belonging to each other…suffering with each other…rejoicing with each other.”
Showing me the face of God.
Oh, the beauty of the Body of Christ.
Many of you are a part of this post. It is with a humble and grateful heart that I thank you.
bending our knees
and clasping our hands
He hears our pleas
reaching out to God's family
and trusting His heart
He has made you a part of me
How beautifully you've illustrated both the power of prayer and the body of Christ! I, too, wonder how people survive in this world without Him and the vast resources of His kingdom. We all have those moments (or hours, days, weeks…) where we need someone to be "Jesus with skin on," and it is always salve to my soul to witness His people standing together, believing Him to provide what is needed, and praising Him through the storms of life. He delights in us and inhabits our praise.
It is an honor – truly – to travel the road Home with you, my friend. Continuing to lift you up before the throne of grace.
LOVE you, sweet friend!
The Lord loves you and He will walk along with you every step of the way. I am praying.
Love, Your sister in Christ, Linda
I'm sending sweet and precious love vibes your way!
Beautiful!
I think the Lord smiles when His body comes together in love and support, don't you. I am honored to be praying for and with you.
Leah
Dearest Melinda, I know our Loving Father knows your needs and the desires of your heart, and even though I don't know what specifically to pray for you right now, I know that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me, on your, sweet sister's, behalf. Please know, I am lifting you up in prayer, trusting that His perfect will, will be done! Praying that His comfort drives away any stress or fears and brings you complete peace that we can't comprehend.
Blessings and prayers,
Kelly
You are so right – where would we be without the grace and mercy of our Jesus? Don't even want to think about it.
I'm praying for you today, sweet friend, and trusting that the LORD will bring you through this hard time.
Continuing to pray for you and yours.
Love you.
Melinda:
God is with you in all the issues you are experiencing.
Read Isaiah 41:10.
Tough weeks can be the seeding of a strong faith. Sounds as if yours is taking root sister, and while I'm tremendously pained by your pain, I'm strengthened by your faith's progression.
Thank you for entrusting me with so much.
Love and peace~elaine
Oh sister! I do love you so and your honest heart. I really don't have any other comment, except that you are an amazing woman and mother.
I think of you everyday …and know that there are some really hard days. Email me and let me know how things are going…Another friend is walking this same road, different circumstances, but hurting….I told her your story and she is praying for you everyday…