“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ”  Ephesians 2:4-5

“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.  For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”  Psalm 103:14-15

In the last two posts I discussed my mother’s ability to forgive her father and the relationships with him that it permitted.  I also discussed her stewardship, hospitality and integrity and how they encouraged me and benefited others.  These are a very few of the high points or strengths in her life.  However, as Christ warns us in John 16:33, my mother also bore a fair amount of pain and suffering.  Over the years, I watched as my mother endured physical illness, emotional pain and spiritual trials that God included as part of her life.  One of the complaints that I often hear from people who are suffering is that they are very alone or have little to no help.  Thankfully, I believe that this is the exception in my church home, but within the larger body of Christ, this seems to be a prevalent problem and it was certainly true for my mother.  In my mother’s case, she was seen as an outsider as she was not reared within the denomination and she came from an unchurched family.   Further, she did not feel called as the pastor’s wife to run the social programs of the church and she suffered from depression.  Therefore, for the most part she was condemned for a lack of faith and godliness and, but for a few exceptions and like many, found no real support within the church body.

In contrast we’re told in Ephesians 4:15-17 “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”  God calls us from different backgrounds and circumstances;  consequently, we need to be like Christ and be accepting of others and encourage them in their faith.  We need to be careful not to judge the motives of others.  Just because someone does not fulfill our preconceived notion of what programs they should be involved in does not mean that they are not deserving of our aide.  Remember that Christ didn’t fit the mold of the Pharisees and Sadducees.    We all have our strengths and weaknesses, therefore we need to be quick to love and to help and slow to judge…especially when we may not have all of the facts.   As we are given resources and experiences that give us the means to help others, we are called to do just that. To do otherwise, is to waste what God has given us both in resources and experience.  In short we are called to build up the body of Christ and the best way to do that is to “treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  (Matthew 7:12)  Further, we are reminded to “Give, and it will be given to you. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”  (Luke 6:38)  We are warned in scripture that we can never eradicate the effects of sin in the world, however, we are called to meet the needs of the individuals the God brings into our lives as we are able.

Thankfully, God’s compassion is not solely provided through the means of fallible humans.  No matter how faithful or lacking the body of Christ is in our support, God is always faithful to supply all of our needs.  (Phil. 4:19)  Unfortunately, we are often disappointed with God’s provisions for a variety of reasons which usually, if not always, boil down to some form of sin.  However, rather than dwelling on our short comings, I’d much rather keep the truth of God’s promises before us.  Here are just a few.

• Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
• “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10
• These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
• The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing. Psalm 34:10
• Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19
• “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
• God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
• Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things Psalm 103:2-5
• “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  John 14:1-3
• “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
• Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:33

The path of my mother’s life was a difficult and often lonely one, however, she trusted in her Lord.  God in His mercy was faithful; He was always with her, helped her endure and brought her safely home in victory.  On the day my mother was buried, God was merciful to me as well.  Knowing all of my mother’s struggles and how she was often perceived, God made it abundantly clear that she was with Him; that she was understood and loved; that she was free of pain and suffering; and the she was at peace in His presence.

As my friend Scott says, “be the church”.  As you are able, meet the needs of others; when your needs are not met by others, be forgiving; and at all times, trust in your God to provide what you truly need and to eventually bring you safely into His presence.

May you see the promises of God fulfilled in your life as He supplies your needs.

Will