[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]S[/dropcap2]amuel worked the same job for over 30 years, then retired and began farming. He got dizzy one day out in the field. Headaches followed. Tests revealed an inoperable brain tumor.
Ten months later, Samuel was in a hospital bed in his living room. Plagued by pain, he whispered, “When is this going to be over?”
“I don’t know, Samuel,” I responded.
The biblical character Job lost all ten of his children and his possessions in a single day. Later, he lost his health and was in chronic pain. Three friends come to comfort him. Stunned by Job’s agony, they try to explain it. They judge him. How awful.
They’re out there. People in great pain. Can we hear their cries? Are we listening?
Do we dare enter their pain with them? That would take great courage.
Lord, have mercy on us if we are judging them instead.
Please say this out loud with me. Hear your own voice: True courage is focused on benefitting others. I’ll open my ears to the cries of those around me.
Today is a great opportunity to get out of our own heads and tune in. The world needs us.
So take a deep breath, get quiet, and listen. Hear their hearts. What do you sense God would have you do?
(If someone you know is hurting from a loss, consider introducing them to my free Good Grief mini-course. https://www.garyroe.com/good-grief/ It was written with them in mind.)
