The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life.—DEUTERONOMY 28:66 KJV
A caregiver brings assurance to one in need—the spiritual assurance of God’s love and power that is actually more important than the physical caregiving itself. But fear in our loved ones’ lives can undermine even the best medical care.
God warned the people of Israel that they would reap a harvest of fear from the seeds of unbelief. That’s when their lives would become tentative—as if hanging by a frayed rope ready to break at any moment. By fearing the worst, they would live in constant dread of death. But if they simply believed and obeyed God’s Word, their assurance would be a life-sustaining, peace-infusing reward.
Those under our care will see their lives either as hanging in doubt (Deuteronomy 28:66 KJV) or “set…on high” (Deuteronomy 28:1 KJV). One Christian of history, in his last moment, had such a rapturous vision that he cried, “Upward! Upward! Upward!” He experienced death as a rising to new heights. Not a hint of fear marred his passing.
As we minister in Jesus’ name, let’s tell the sick and suffering to prize every assurance found in God’s Word. Let’s remind them of Hebrews 10:35, which says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”
Dear God, it’s easy to get caught up in discouraging thoughts or feelings of helplessness. May I see Your light in all my situations—and may it guide me safely home.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)