Sometimes . . . when someone has experienced a tragedy, it’s best to sit with them in silence. Not always, but sometimes. Alistair Begg, senior pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, calls that “Eloquent Silence.”
I remember one of our local chaplains telling us about a visit he made to a Navy family in the housing area whose baby had died. When he arrived, he sat with the couple on the front porch. Just sat with them. Later the couple told him that was the most helpful thing he could have done at the time. He acted according to Romans 12:15, “. . . mourn with those who mourn.”
“I Need to Be Reminded”
Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — I Thessalonians 5:18
We gathered for Bible study, but our friend’s face was downcast . . . a sure sign that his soul was, too. We knew he was dealing with marital problems, but there was also the pressure of an impending deployment. All of this weighing on his heart, his future—his now.
It’s hard to know what to say sometimes—most of the time, really. So I said something scriptural that I don’t even remember, then added something like “God knows what you are going through and He is with you”. I followed the simple truth with a smile, and then closed with “but you already know that.”
I guess I expected my smile to be returned with his smile—an understanding between us that I was just trying to do my best to help, but failing.
But that’s not what happened. Instead he said with emphasis, “I do already know that. But I need to be reminded. Thank you.” I got the distinct impression that he really meant it.
My turn was the next day. I had gotten discouraged the night before with some details of ministry, and knew that my day was going to be “one of those days” when work would be in the details. Nothing bad, just laborious.
So I was surprised to open my inbox early and find this email awaiting me, from friends time zones away. Totally unexpected . . . totally something I already knew . . . totally something I needed to hear . . . totally something which blessed me by the power of its truth, and timing:
“Dearest Friends,
Because God is with us – Immanuel, we can endure difficult circumstances of life. We can say with confidence that the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? From Psalm 27:1, “1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Praise God!
Because God is with us – Immanuel, we can expect direct answers to our prayers. Heb. 4:14-16 says, “14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We can come boldy and blurt out what is in our heart and He will sympathize and identify with us. Praise God!
Because God is with us – Immanuel, we can face the demanding challenges of ministry.
To Moses, God says in Exodus 4:12, “12Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
To Joshua God spoke…Joshua 1:9 “9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
To Jeremiah God encouraged … Jeremiah 1:8, “8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”
To all shepherds and their sheep God commands us…Mt. 28:19-20, “19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Praise God!
Be encouraged with good cheer during the opportunities of ministry God has prepared in advance for you to do. We are ready to join in because God is with us! Praise God!
Love in Christ,
Your Friends in Iowa
Turns out my friends had listened to “Turning Point” with Dr. David Jeremiah on the radio, had taken notes and then crafted them into an email for me. The truth and the timing were exquisite. The truth that God was with me was something I already knew . . . but at that moment I needed to be reminded.
To my friends in Iowa I can say, “Thank You!”
Perhaps you, too, need to be reminded–or can be used of God to remind someone else. God is with us!
Questions to Share:
1. Is there someone you know who needs to be reminded that God is with them—no matter where they are and no matter their circumstances? Perhaps it is your spouse during this deployment. Take the time to remind them.
2. Is there someone you can pray for today, because you know that God is with you and listening?
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