by Shirlee Vandegrift

The word ‘scared’ should not have a place in the mind or mouth of a believer, should it?  Nor should the words “why,” “why me,” “why them” or any other words that indicate unbelief.

I have been struggling with a few of those words recently as I witness a friend with unremitting pain that has not been diagnosed well enough for proper treatment.  If you have been in this situation you know that pain can change you.  You know that it can become all consuming.  You can’t sleep or get comfortable or concentrate.  A normally sunny disposition can get lost in the dark clouds of the hurt.  Sometimes family and friends get hurt from the fallout.  At times we are scared.  What can we do?

In a desire to help my friend I do the only thing I can do.  I pray.

I say,

Gentle God,

When I am not experiencing discomfort give me sensitivity to those who are.  Help me not to judge the hurting.  If they begin to wonder where You are give me words that will assure them that You haven’t moved away from their side, nor have I.  If Ibegin to wonder where You are forgive me.  If it is Your will to be quiet for a time give us the patience to wait for Your answer.  If there is no answer now, give us trust.  And Father, You can take away the pain.  We would like that.  For Your glory. Amen