[Faith-talk] Good Night Message for Monday, November 12 2012

[Paul]

Hello and good day once again to you all, good morning to you in Europe or the UK and good afternoon to you in the South Pacific.  Here in North America it's evening and time for us to soon retire for the night.  I pray that we all had a good day today, and I also pray that all of you in other lands are having a good Tuesday as this is being written.

This article really spoke to me when I first read it, as my late mom was in a nursing home and I was virtually alone.  Those of you who are single can more relate to something like this than those of you who are married, but perhaps you married folk can remember a time in your adult years when you were single.  Anyway the article was by John Strong, and it title is "Comforting," rendered as follows:

As we journey through our lives, we come to realize many truths. One truth that is hard to take is that we live in a world where loss is a part of life. Loss entails anything from misplacing an important item or document to losing a relationship. We can lose possessions through theft or destruction. Yes, loss is a part of our lives in this world.

When we lose something, especially a person, we grieve that loss. Paul calls God "the Father of all comfort" (2 Cor 1:3). He continues, stating that God comforts us so that we can comfort others (v4).

If you are in need of comfort, allow God to bring it to you. Search His Word for His healing touch; allow His people to minister to you. Hang on tightly to His promises even when the evidence seems to point to a conclusion not in keeping with His promises. Do not give up or give in to the enemy in this time of vulnerability. Trust that God will see you through this time.

Try to learn what God is teaching you, and remember your lessons so He can use you to comfort others.

When Jesus faced the anticipation of the cross in Gethsemane, He brought His three closest disciples with Him. He said "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me" (Matt. 26:38).

Jesus wanted company during His time of sorrow, so He took good friends with Him. Consider this: If Jesus had not asked, would He have had their company? Likely not. The same principle will hold true for us--ask for comfort, ask for trusted friends to walk along with you as you sorrow.

Ask for what you need. It is unfortunate, but neither we nor our friends know what others want in sorrow. Speak up and ask for help.

There are times when we will find ourselves on the giving end of comfort. At those times, be ready to say or do what your friend needs. God wants His people to carry His comfort to others.

I think the tendency is often to ignore the grieving person's needs because we do not know what to do. Instead, ask if you can keep them company or do some task for them. Offer your sadness at their time of grieving. In so doing, you will be a vessel of God's comfort to another one who desperately needs it.

And there you have Brother John's article.  Actually, when I first read it my mom wasn't in a nursing home, but within six months of that time she was.

Before I close this message, I'd like to share with you the words of an old Gospel hymn.  Many of you have read it previously in these posts, but perhaps there are some who haven't, so, for the newcomers and those who just want to read it a second time, here are the words to "Have Faith in God," written in 1934 by B.B. McKinney.  He wrote both the words and music.  I wish with all my heart that I could attach an audio version of this song to this email, but I'm not savvy enough to do that, so you'll have to be content with just reading the words.  Anyway these words go along very well with John's article.

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely,
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

The refrain goes something like this:

Have faith in God,
He's on His throne;
Have faith in God,
He watches o'er His own;
He cannot fail,
He must prevail;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the Lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God, He'll answer yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh leave them there.

Have faith in God tho all else fail about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own;
He cannot fail tho all kingdoms shall perish,
He rules, He reigns upon His throne.

I know that this message is a little longer than usual, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to perhaps minister in some small way to maybe one person.  If you have my phone number, because in so many cases email messages just don't convey the feelings of the sender or receiver, you can give me a call about this, at any hour of the day or night, and if I'm not available just leave your number and the best time to call.  Unfortunately I don't have Skype yet, but that's in the future.

And now may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just keep us safe, individually and collectively, throughout this night or day and especially in these last days in which we live. Your Christian friend and brother, Paul