I just found out that a very dear reader of mine passed away. Sam was a great man of faith, and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. But in the last few years of his life, he struggled with a recurring illness. He would write me regularly, asking me to pray for him, and he would always tell me how much my writings encouraged his heart and his faith. He had no doubts that God was going to heal him, and that the day would come when he would be completely whole.
A few months ago, I noticed that Sam’s communications with me began sounding much different. He would ask me how he could know if he was hearing from God. And he would express his fears that Jesus was going to abandon him in his time of need. He pleaded with me to tell him what he was doing wrong, and why God wasn’t healing him. And it became obvious to me that people around him were blaming him for his illness and his lack of faith to be healed. Each time, I reminded Sam of the truth of God’s Word and promises, and he would thank me, and seem more at peace. The last time I heard from Sam was only days before he died. I was greatly saddened because this great man of faith had left this earth questioning God’s goodness and faithfulness.
The Bible tells us of a time when Jesus came upon a man who was blind from birth. His disciples asked Him if his affliction was caused by his own sin or his parents’. Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” (John 9:3 NKJV) The Message Bible records the Master’s words as saying, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.’” (John 9:3 MSG) In other words, the disciples’ focus was wrong. They were looking to assign blame to someone as the cause of this man’s blindness, while Jesus wanted them to focus on God’s willingness and ability to intercede on the man’s behalf.
No one will ever know this side of heaven if Sam would have survived if he hadn’t been surrounded by people pointing the finger at him. That’s why I am telling myself and you today to be very careful about what we say, or even infer, when someone is hurting. We are called to lift people up in the name of Jesus, and to minister truth and hope to them – and to do it in ways that will draw them closer to God, instead of causing them to doubt Him. We can assign blame, or we can administer blessings. Which will you choose?
Prayer: Lord, make me a loving, giving, and forgiving person in ways that will touch and change lives for Your glory. When you put people in my path who are suffering in any way, help me to pray for wisdom as to how You would have me minister to them. You have said that “mercy triumphs over judgment,” so enable me by Your Spirit to show mercy to everyone I come in contact with. (James 2:13) Thank You that as I allow Your love and wisdom to flow through me to others, Your blessings will overflow in my own life!
- J. M. Farro
Elevation Nights '24 With Elevation Worship And Pastor Steven Furtick Returns This Fall Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:10:00 EST |
Freedom Heart Releases "Dreaming with You" to Christian Radio Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:50:00 EST |
Eric Cohen Releases "L O V E" to Christian Hip-Hop Radio Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:10:00 EST |
Linda Boles Releases "The Missionary" to Christian Radio Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:00:00 EST |
Ryan Stevenson and Country Superstar Deana Carter Team for New Song, "Rich" Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:55:00 EST |
11th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards Announce More Talent and Events Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:45:00 EST |
Travis Tritt Invites Fans to the "Country Chapel" with DVD from Gaither Music Group Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:30:00 EST |
DAD TIRED FOUNDER JERRAD LOPES EXPANDS POPULAR MINISTRY WITH DEBUT CHILDREN’S TITLE Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:07:46 +0000 |
“Anything Goes” by Andrew Kerhoulas of Brother K Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:54:00 +0000 |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |