Have you learned the preciousness of loving through tears? Diane shares.
“And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that [Jesus] was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind Him, at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet and anointed them with the ointment.” (Luke 7:37-38).
We met almost twenty years ago through Sunday school and a mutual friend. I was giving her a ride to the women’s retreat. She lived just around the corner.
From that time on our friendship would grow. She was chronically ill then. At the time, i had some issues, but not as severe. As the years rolled on we would find our roles swapping according to illnesses.
It’s funny how God establishes friendships between those of us who are chronically Ill. He knows we will need one another for encouragement, someone who can understand exactly what you’re feeling.
Jesus knows those feelings too, yet He also knows we desire someone here in human form, who will listen, understand, and even hold our hand.
In the scripture above the woman humbled herself, seeking forgiveness, and obeying the Father’s will. Through her tears she washed Jesus’ feet and then anointed Him, showing Him the Father’s love.
This week my sister in Christ has been very ill. The Father urged me to go–do the same for her as this woman did for Jesus. On the way, I was crying and praying for the Holy Spirit to renew her hope and her to feel God’s love.
Friends, my message is this: we are called to be ministers in many ways, you and I. Sometimes it will be to rejoice in healings, other times to pray for rest. There will be times such as these, which God calls us to minister through our tears, just as I’m sure our Lord Jesus does for us.
Let’s not relinquish that gift of being God’s hands, His feet, His voice, the gift of His love for a friend. May we be bold in our Spirit and allow God to use us in whatever capacity He can.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the opportunities You give each of us to show Your love to others. I pray, Lord, that we will not hesitate to obey You in all circumstances. May we always look to You for the hope and the promise of the future You have given us with You. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in Central Florida, she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness, three grown children, one grand baby and more on the way..! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
How has friendships with chronically challenged friends enriched your life? What are some of the ways God has allowed you to minister to them? Is there a time where you served God through the tears? Please share, as you will encourage us all.
This is the group Calling Glory singing “Teach Me to Love.” There are days when I pray this because someone is making it difficult to love them! It is then I realize just how amazing Jesus is, that He never sinned–feeling frustrated or impatient with someone. We are here on earth to love–as He loved us. And we need a lot of help. Don’t forget to ask God to teach you to love if someone is challenging the feelings that you are naturally having. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 