fbpx

For Those Who Love Christ

A tree on a hill with the words from Ezekiel 17:22-24 ESV, "Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it."" He does this for those who love Christ.
by Beeda Speis for Peace in the Stillness blog

God can do great things through each one of us. We may not see it, but He does. We may be bedridden, homebound, incapacitated, but for those who love Christ, God will use us for His glory no matter what our situation. He has bestowed each of us spiritual gifts with which to be His light in a fallen world. You may not realize those unique gifts, but He’s using them for the Kingdom.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and was feeling rather sorry for myself, I prayed and asked, “What good am I to You now?” Just then, the phone rang and a woman from Red Cross called and thanked me for my donation. I sent in $25 or maybe $35 the month before. If you’ve donated to organizations before, you know they NEVER call and personally thank you unless it’s to solicit more funds. This was just a simple, no-strings-attached thank you. I knew it was God calling. He didn’t want me to give up hope.

Others I know with chronic illness may not even realize they’re ministering and doing God’s work, but they are. They’re sending cards to people who are feeling down, or who are also sick. They’re encouraging and inspiring others by phone, text, email. They’re putting their own situations aside to help others who are suffering.

People see this. Non-believers see the overcomers. They see that believers who are suffering are still proclaiming Jesus’ holy name. They see the hope and the blessings that allow those who suffer in Christ’s name to still thrive.

Do you need prayer for you or a loved one?

Do you know anyone with a chronic illness who needs our prayers? Send me their initial(s) and we’ll pray for them this week. Please pray for our friends: S.A.S, M.W., K.H., D.J., S.J., J.J., T.H., D.D., R.D., B.K., D.T., C.W., M.W., L.C., C.C., R.F., S.S, D.C, S.S, K.S, M.B, K.D, S.G, R.G, D.E, K.B. You can contact me here.

If you’re suffering, know that God sees you. He hears you. God loves you. It’s possible that you won’t know the purpose of your trials here until you’re delivered home, but you have His assurances that you do not suffer in vain.

Bible Verse of the Day

Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

Ezekiel 17:22-24 ESV

I was going to look up commentary for this passage but chose instead to just picture this. Its imagery is so wonderful. God can take even a small twig, plant it high on a mountain for all the world to see. He will nurture that twig and have it grow into a mighty tree that bears much fruit. That tree becomes a place of comfort and refuge for the birds of the air. By doing so, all the world will know He is the One and Only True God. He can take us and use us in the same manner. Anyone who considers their life insignificant needs to remember this passage. Share it with someone who needs to be lifted up.

Prayer

Dearest Heavenly Father, we are so very grateful for Your undying love for each of us. We’re thankful for Your word, which teaches us your character and promises. Lord, we ask that you take special care of the individuals we’ve listed above. They need Your help, Father. Please heal them for the next season of their life, if it is Your will. Please give them comfort and encouragement, Lord that their suffering is not in vain. We ask that You show them their spiritual gifts so they may see how wonderfully they are serving You even in the midst of their pain or illness.
Lord, we also continue to pray in earnest for the people of Ukraine. Please give them peace and encouragement. Please end the war, Lord, and allow them to prevail. Just as David overtook Goliath, we know Ukraine can overtake the Russians. We ask all of these things in Jesus’ precious and loving name. Amen.