Reflections on a difficult year, Part 2

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First of all, I just want to say thank you all so much for your kind comments on my last reflections post. I appreciate being able to process through it more in writing, and pray that our story will serve to encourage and strengthen others going through a difficult season.

When I look back on our past year, I can recognize many of the things that enabled us to walk through that time of the diagnosis, the medical decisions, the chemotherapy treatments (and birth of our son in the midst of them) and the subsequent recovery and slow return to work.

The most important factor in all of it was truly the grace of God, as I wrote about last time. To receive His inexhaustible strength in the season of our greatest weakness was precious and ultimately, it was the thing that sustained us when nothing else could.

Related to that was the support of the body of Christ. Throughout the summer in particular it was evident that God was ministering to our needs through His people. I can recall so many times when I realized how much we were being supported and carried by those who loved us that I wondered how on earth anybody makes it through this stuff without community and family surrounding them.

I think the simple answer to that is that often, they don't. They may survive physically, but emotionally and spiritually they are drained to the point of utter exhaustion and often despair. During their trial, they likely had to go without many of their basic needs being met, simply because they weren't capable of doing it on their own.

How grateful that I was and am that we did not walk that road alone. May I gently remind you just how necessary it is that we, as Christians, remain aware of the needs around us and that we step up and take action when we see those needs?

I will admit that as the one in need at that time, it was hard to ask and often hard to receive. I have spoken with many others about this issue, and have come to the conclusion that we all struggle to admit that we can't do it all on our own, and that to ask for help is such a humbling practice. I do think, though, that it is a necessary practice!

One thing that I learned through our experience was that the church needs to have both those in need, as well as those who are able to serve, and both must be functioning in the role that God has given them in that season.

The one in need is able to grow in humility, recognizing that they are
not self-sufficient and cannot do it all on their own, but that they
are a part of a body for a reason. It is a good thing to learn
to ask for help, and even better to learn to receive it graciously! For
those who struggle with this, I will say it again. God desires for you to reach out and allow others to serve you in your time of need.
If He requires that His people serve and bless those in need, does He
any less require that the ones in need be willing to accept that
service?

As well, those of us who are blessed to be in a season of rest and free from major struggle or trials ought to be ministering to those who are weak, tired, sick, discouraged, and grieving. Not only does it serve them and is one of the ways that God chooses to tangibly meet their needs, but it is also a way that God continues to work out the process of sanctification of our lives- that is, becoming more and more transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus, who was the servant of all.

Not only this, but as we serve those whom we are already in relationship with- our family, friends and church members- we display the love, care and glory of God to those who are yet to know Him! A church that is thoroughly loving and serving it's own members stands out in a culture where many churches are full of strife, gossip, contention, loneliness and dissension.

I think that often, we don't reach out in times of need or crisis or loss because we don't know what we can do. We desire to help, and we may offer that we are there, if they ever need anything. Unfortunately, this does not translate into the practical care that one in the midst of difficulty requires. Those in a season of weakness already feel burdened, and the thought of having to determine whether someone really meant it when they said "if you ever need anything" is a bit overwhelming. What it often comes down to is that there is a vague sense of care or concern, but it means little because it did not translate into action or practical forms of care.

You may be wondering what are some of the ways that you can truly show your care or meet the needs of someone in a situation like ours. I know that until I walked through it on the receiving end, I was always unsure of what to offer as well. This is not a criticism for anybody. What it is, though, is an opportunity to learn and grow in the ability to serve and care for others.

Tomorrow, I will post about the ways that our friends, family and church family cared for us in the midst of our difficult season, and I will ask for your input as well, as I know that many of you have much wisdom to offer us and many of your own suggestions as to how we can bless those who are in need.

No related posts.