| Contentment and Burden-Bearing |
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My husband was out of state doing some consulting work (and sneaking in a bit of fly fishing) this weekend. I spoke to him Friday evening and, after that, heard nothing for over 24 hours. I tried to call him, but his phone was either out of range of a cell tower or broken. By nature, I am not much of a worrier, but I have to admit my heart was beginning to pound a little harder after we crossed the 24-hours-out-of-touch threshold. I finally called a friend for a reality check and she graciously took on this burden of worry on my behalf. Before I could even process my thoughts, she had contacted the pastors of our church, the highway patrol and local police stations within range of my husbands travel itinerary.
Cynthia, you are the best! I love you and am proud to call you my sister-friend!
After my first of many conversations she and I shared over the course of the following two hours, the Holy Spirit reminded me of some verses in Philippians:
4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 4:13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
No matter what, I knew I could face whatever had happened to my husband. I was truly at peace in my circumstances, right in that moment! I now know my peace was, of course, from God. But it was also a result of my pastors and friends praying immediately for me.
At 10:00pm, my husband finally called. He had recieved really bad directions and ended up spending hours on a very remote back road, trying to find his way back to civilization.
Why am I sharing this story? Because of Philippians 4:14
4:14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
Yes, God was in control. Whatever happened it would have been OK. Yet, it was so kind of my church family to share my trouble!
When you face troubles, reach out to your siblings in Christ. That's what we're here for! |
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| May 21, 2007 |
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| Sorry to hear about your bad day. I know I would have been worried too, but probably would have faced it alone. Thanks for encouraging us to share our burdens. Glad to hear all turned out fine. |
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| May 21, 2007 |
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| I used to carry everything myself. It is so refreshing to have a church family to encourage me through those times. Even more, it is a blessing to be able to be the encourager sometimes. |
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| May 22, 2007 |
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| My husband travels a lot as part of his job. He is also commuting to go to school for his Master's degree, so he is on the road a lot. I used to worry myself sick when I didn't hear from him in the amount of time I thought was appropriate for him to check in. As the years have gone on, and I have become more dependent on God to get me through each day, I try not to worry. I have a bible study group that I am a part of and ask to pray for him each time he travels. I don't want anything to happen to him, but I know I would survive if something did. I just have to trust that God will take care of him, and if ever there is a time that I need extra prayer because of a situation he is in, then I have the church family to back me up in prayer, and that is such a great feeling. |
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| May 22, 2007 |
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Great story.. reminds me of this verse (of my fav's): 12:5 So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another; |
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