The ugly “C” word has consumed my circle of friends lately.  My husband also has undergone treatment for this degenerating, disheartening malady.  I often wonder why God choses some to suffer through these things and others go unscathed.

When Job went through the devastation in his life, he had lost all his worldly goods, his children, his friends and his health.  He felt worthless and came to a point where he simply wanted his life to be over.  His friends weren’t much help with their words of “comfort.” They tried to understand what great sin he had committed to be so overwhelmed with trouble.

So often we blame ourselves when things look bad.  We wonder, as time and pain progresses, what we did to deserve this. We become devoured by our circumstances and it’s difficult to look beyond them.  Each day becomes a gift and yet our suffering or angst continues. At times like this, our only alternative is turn to our redeemer, just as Job did in the depths of his hopelessness.  Even though Christ had not yet come to the world, Job knew that He existed and that death would have no dominion over his faltering body.

How do you lift someone up who feels close to death, or is overwhelmed by the future?  My heart is aching for those friends of mine facing the upcoming treatments for their illness.  I wish there was something I could do to fix it, but as my husband says, “some things we just can’t fix.”

The only One who can heal bodies, lift hearts, restore waning faith, redeem sinful souls and give us eternal peace is Jesus – who suffered more than we will ever have to because of His great love for humanity.

Lord, dwell in the hearts of my friends and all who are going through painful difficulties.  Keep them strong in your promises and relieve the suffering they may endure.  In Jesus name, Amen!