This is one very fragile life!

I’m not so much concerned about the aches and pains that come with the territory of being in ‘that age group’. But I’m thinking about all the folks we know and love who are dealing with personal challenges that demonstrate just how frail we human beings really are. Yogi Berra reportedly said you can sure observe a lot when you are looking and that’s what I am trying to do on this Thursday, May 21, 2009. Each Sunday morning in our Bible study time we hear prayer requests and often they are both gripping and gut wrenching. Many reflect illnesses of all kinds, some terminal, and others deal with family issues, economic challenges, and the entire gamut that dogs our steps as people who breathe air on the planet. It is our privilege to pray over the requests as they come forth from teary eyes and broken hearts. These challenges are no respecter of persons from infants to the most senior, and they come to every family and every person at one time or another.

You arrive at work and hear more of the same. One former associate just underwent a major cancer surgery ordeal. Another co-worker is dealing on a 24x7 basis with his wife’s brain cancer. I try to pray for these each day. The list is long because we are needy people! I try to encourage this man who has been such an example of devotion and commitment in doing all he can for his wife. It reminds me of the 18-month battle waged by my baby sister before succumbing to the ravages of leukemia. We received word a couple of weeks ago about my stepsister who has been diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease and they give her little hope in terms of her remaining time here. She is in her fifties and this has been a devastating development to her, her husband, her two sons and daughter, and the grandkids. It seems like every day we hear about another new individual having to deal a great issue or life threatening challenge. It’s not surprising that our local fellowship fills up a table each week of cards to be signed and sent to hurting people. (No wonder we are instructed to pray without ceasing!)

Jesus looked out on folks and His heart overflowed with compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He wanted to be their Shepherd to help them through the storms of life. He wants to be our Shepherd as well and as far as I can tell He’s the only one we can really count on as the winds of adversity beat on the door of our life. (See Mark 6:34; also Matthew 14:14; 15:32; 20:24; Mark 1:41) As we pray about and show our concern for folks near and dear and those far and wide who are suffering, we have access to the Great Physician. We are assured that we can come into His presence with confidence and that He will hear and answer our petitions. (See Hebrews 4:16) In addition, He is the God of all comfort who will never leave or forsake us because nothing can separate us from His love. (See Romans Chapter 8; and 2nd Corinthians 1:1-3) I think about that stormy night when those fellows thought their ship and their lives would soon be destroyed, then they saw Jesus walking on the water and this is what He said: “Be of good cheer, it is I, do not be afraid.” (See Matthew 14:27) Wow! What comforting words as we seek Him on behalf of so many who are suffering. Amen. ….More later.