“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15)
My friend Joan is a remarkable lady.
She wakes up each morning to find herself bound to the wheelchair that MS forced her into many years ago. Joan has the brightest smile, twinkling eyes, and a deep love for Christ. For some reason that none of us understand, the Lord has not allowed her to know physical healing. I would write a different story for my friend.
Whenever I get to visit with Joan, my own heart realizes incredible joy. I try to explain to her how deeply she impacts me, how her bravery infuses me with courage, how her gifts to me far outweigh any trinket I bring though her door. It is hard to put into words what I gain when I spend time with her. While she sits motionless beside me, Joan wraps me tightly in her love.
I meet with Jesus when I meet with Joan.
How do I even clarify that? Although she is unaware that his beauty and gentleness radiate from her, somehow the Lord pours himself through my friend. Within the confines of her everyday world, her loving husband and caregivers look after her every need. Joan can do nothing for herself. And yet, the God of heaven and earth is seen, and felt, and known in a profound way through her existence.
Joan’s response to what God has allowed reinforces this inexplicable promise in Scripture: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). In the midst of a life that should be defined by weakness, is the undeniable power of the living God.
I long for healing for my friend, and I pray for it continually. I will not stop asking the Lord to give her the grace to overcome, the strength to endure, and the hope that he is hearing and answering each cry on her behalf.
And I will continue to enjoy the friendship of a lady who helps me to encounter Jesus here on earth.
Elizabeth A Mitchell
Photo Credit: pixabay on Pexels
Friends like that are few in this life’s pilgrimage. Jesus had only 3 who were close to Him during His earthly ministry. May our good Lord bless her for being the radiance of Christ as He is the radiance of His Father’s glory in your friendship. That is awesome!!! Pass Calvary greetings to her and the family. All for Jesus
Thank you Charles. I will share your message with Joan
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing Elizabeth. This depicts your heart for your friends Joan and for Jesus who you see clearly through her. Thankful for the gift God has given you to put into words how you are experiencing Jesus through your friends and her circumstances.
Thank you Steve for your loving insight. Your friendship is a treasure to Bill and to me!
Thank you Elizabeth for your beautiful and touching words about my sister Joan. My Brother-in-Law shared them with me this morning and I was truly moved and am sincerely grateful for your thoughts. Our entire family loves Joan and Bruce and you put into words what we often have trouble expressing. Blessings to you and your ministry.
Jim thank you for letting me know. I am deeply touched by your comments. You do indeed have an incredible sister and brother-in-law. We love them dearly.
So beautiful! How often I take health for granted. This is a shining example of inner joy from Jesus.
I agree Laila!!