When you need perspective

Just because you aren't in jail for your faith, you may not think your suffering has much meaning in the grand scheme. When we're suffering, our focus gets pretty narrow, and perspective goes out the window. No matter what the cause of your suffering is, other people are watching how you handle your daily struggles.


My mother has endured at least eight hip replacement and/or restorative surgeries on one of her hips, due to the incompetence and cruelty of a physical therapist who ordered her to exert too much pressure on that fragile hip immediately after the original operation was performed. The exertion caused her hip and joint to break, which could never be completly returned to the condition God had designed for a hip. Subsequent repairs and replacement surgeries have gone wrong, become infected, become dislocated, and have generally been agony for her.


I truly doubt she would label this suffering in the name of Christ, and yet throughout it she has been a faithful prayer warrior for the Lord to her family, for the country, and for the church in its many extensions around the world. She has served as an ambassador and inspiration to her doctors and hospital staff where she has stayed.


Yet, when Satan wants to attack her, he makes her feel that she is not able to do enough for the Lord, because of the limitations required of her because of this same hip.


I stand in awe of my mother and the example of prayer warrior.  She reminds me of the spiritual battle described in Ephesians 6:12,13: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." She may not run any marathons, but she stands her ground and fights in the spirit with her prayers.


To you, my dear mother, and to you, my dear reader:

You have no idea how many people are going to be inspired by your strength, or what God does for you during your hard times. You are representing Christ through your reactions, your patience, and your life, so look for the comfort God promises to you.  Ask him to open your eyes to see his comfort being showered on you as you suffer for him. And may he open your eyes to see his face as he fills you with his grace.


You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5