Comfort for the Sick and Suffering

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 Basilea 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.

Later. 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 promised 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, by most 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 beholding, and that is blessedness.

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