In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlink discusses the comfort that God offers to those who are sick and suffering. She acknowledges the anguish and hopelessness that can come with prolonged suffering, but reminds listeners that God promises to meet their deepest needs and offers a special comfort. Schlink shares a personal experience of receiving a card with the word "later" written on it, which comes from Hebrews 12:11. This verse reminds her that although suffering may be painful in the moment, it ultimately yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. She encourages listeners to look forward to the transformation that comes through suffering, as it allows God to form His image of love, mercy, gentleness, and humility in their hearts and spirits.

God lives and works today, just as Jesus came 2,000 years ago to comfort His people, so He comes to us today. In times of suffering that seem unending and greater than we can bear, He not only promises to meet our deepest needs in the situation, but He offers a special comfort to us. In today's meditation by Basilia Schlink, Comfort for the Sick and Suffering, we catch a glimpse of the goal He longs for us to reach through our suffering. O Lord my God, will the anguish of this sickness never end? Weak follows weak, and there isn't the slightest ray of hope. There's no end in sight. Again and again I am told to wait patiently. However, God doesn't demand patience from us without giving it to us. He helped me during a time of sickness to be patient in this way. A visitor brought me a card with one word written on it, which shone brightly like a star. It was taken from the Bible verse found in Hebrews 12, verse 11. For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant. Later, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, later means that I have something special awaiting me after this sickness. I can look forward to it like a child looking forward to Christmas. There, I may pick a fruit which will be precious and taste marvelous. It's the fruit of righteousness. That means that I will have been transformed a little so that the Heavenly Father can say to me, This is the way I like you. Now you are well-pleasing and beautiful to me. Suffering is the vessel in which I will be purified. Yes, in suffering the Master, Jesus, forms His image in hearts and spirits. He wants to form in us now His image of love, mercy, gentleness and humility, which we can then bear in eternity. How blissful we will be above! For bliss is promise to all the gentle and merciful. Suffering, who is worthy of you? Here you are a despised cross. Above, you are worth the cost. You bring us glory ever anew. Later, this one little word brings us such bliss. Now with joy, I expectantly look forward to what this later will bring. I rest in peace, O Father. Your hands are holding me. All is by you directed. You lead me tenderly. I rest in you, safe hidden, O Father, my most dear. In every care and sorrow, I yet may find peace here. I know that you direct it. All that will come to me. I trust in your will only. And that is blessedness. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlenk of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.