“I will not leave you as orphans (comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless); I will come to you” John 14:18
(Amplified) And be sure of this:
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
When we’re going through a difficult time, we look to friends and family to be there for us. But sometimes we’re bitterly disappointed. We don’t get the support we had hoped for.
What helps me at a time like that?
I remember that Jesus also experienced lack of support from friends and family.
Knowing that soon he would be betrayed and crucified, Jesus asked three of his closest disciples–Peter, James, and John—to stay near him in the Garden and to pray for him. Then he walked a short distance away, fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to the disciples, he found them asleep. Even his dearest friends failed him at this crucial time.
No matter how well intentioned our friends are, they cannot go the whole distance with us. They have their own worries and concerns.
Suffering provides a unique opportunity for us to experience the comfort of God. Remember how Jesus was comforted? God sent an angel. God will not fail us in our need, either. He will not leave us comfortless. Suffering provides an opportunity to discover the adequacy of God. If we never experienced extreme needs, we wouldn’t know that God can meet them.
Expect Jesus to meet your needs. Often I’ve prayed,
“Jesus, you are the good Shepherd and you promised that ‘I shall lack nothing.’ But right now I do lack something. Jesus, you know what it takes for me to function as a well-balanced human being. Today I need some verbal encouragement.”
And you know what? I get a phone call, or a card in the mail, or some tangible bit of evidence that I’m thought of and prayed for.
Looking to Jesus to have my emotional needs met is so freeing. I can let go of my unrealistic expectations that friends and family will always be there for me. I can let go of the “you-guys-owe-me” attitude. I can enjoy the element of surprise and wonder how will God break into my need this time?
Thank you, Jesus, that you are with me right now and in You I have all that I need.
by Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission
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