“For it has been granted to you on
behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him,
but to suffer for Him.’”
(Philippians 1:29 NIV)
A friend
recently gave me a copy of his deceased wife’s book, Postcards from the
Precipice – Reflections of a Christian Facing Death. The author filled this
treasured collection with emails from friends and musings journaled in her last
months of life on earth.
The
suffering on each page is palpable, allotting a bitter-sweet aftertaste. It is
obvious the author experienced God up close and personal not only in her last
days, but also in bygone years.
A heavenly
visitor brought the family comfort on the day of the author’s funeral. Her
husband recalls, “We were standing near the vehicles talking, when suddenly, a
white dove landed on my truck. It spent the night on the hood of my wife’s
car.”
While
reading Postcards I recalled the many “postcards” in my life. So many
junctures along the way nudged me to write a note to someone who touched my
heart. And I thankfully received so many.
Think over
the times you have suffered. Were you prodded to write a postcard, an email, an
entry in your personal journal to encourage those following on the same path?
“For just as the sufferings of Christ
flow over into our lives,
also through Christ our comfort
overflows.”
(2 Corinthians 1:5 NIV)
Struggles
in this life have eternal purposes. Endurance flows from Christ, through us, bestowing
comfort to us and those around us. I dare not push sufferings aside or try to
escape their torment. Strength and comfort from Jesus must be welcomed and shared.
I will
trust my heavenly Father in the storms and struggles I face, and pray He uses
me to comfort and bless others. I hope you will, too!
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