2021 Advent Devotions
Wednesday, December 15 - Stephen Boone
Psalm 42:1 “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God!”
When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, you look for support on why or how this happened and ways to help. Prayer is usually the first line of support, as you know the power of prayer. You long for answers.
As the illness progresses, questions form in your mind about your prayers and the lack of positive progress. Are the prayers sufficient? Are they sincere? Then the prognosis turns terminal. The questions grow. You start to question God’s support. You long for answers.
It is quite painful to watch the courageous fight for life only to end the day in more setbacks. You doubt the medical professionals and their revolving suggestions for treatment. You long for answers.
After one particularly difficult day visiting my brother, I found myself praying for his peaceful passing, but at the same time cheering on his fight against the disease. By this time, I really longed for answers.
That night I recalled a discussion I once had with a clergyman. He insisted you might not initially sense God’s support, but it is there if you look. As I tried to get to sleep thinking of my brother, I remembered as I left his room early in the process, a nurse smiled at me and winked saying “don’t worry, he’s got this.” I agreed, thinking she meant my brother. It was then I realized that was God’s message to me for which I so longed. God was with my brother the entire trip.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for being with us in time of need. Continue to provide us peace and comfort when we struggle to feel your presence. Amen.
Psalm 42:1 “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God!”
When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, you look for support on why or how this happened and ways to help. Prayer is usually the first line of support, as you know the power of prayer. You long for answers.
As the illness progresses, questions form in your mind about your prayers and the lack of positive progress. Are the prayers sufficient? Are they sincere? Then the prognosis turns terminal. The questions grow. You start to question God’s support. You long for answers.
It is quite painful to watch the courageous fight for life only to end the day in more setbacks. You doubt the medical professionals and their revolving suggestions for treatment. You long for answers.
After one particularly difficult day visiting my brother, I found myself praying for his peaceful passing, but at the same time cheering on his fight against the disease. By this time, I really longed for answers.
That night I recalled a discussion I once had with a clergyman. He insisted you might not initially sense God’s support, but it is there if you look. As I tried to get to sleep thinking of my brother, I remembered as I left his room early in the process, a nurse smiled at me and winked saying “don’t worry, he’s got this.” I agreed, thinking she meant my brother. It was then I realized that was God’s message to me for which I so longed. God was with my brother the entire trip.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for being with us in time of need. Continue to provide us peace and comfort when we struggle to feel your presence. Amen.
The Good Shepherd John 10:11