SCRIPTURE:
“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”Isaiah 40:31
HOPE
We recently learned that a couple of our family members got COVID. Praise God everyone was ok - but we were scared. The worst case ended up in the ICU room. He’s using a machine to help him breathe but he’s on the up and up. We were finally able to talk to him today. I’ve been wanting to talk to him for a while, not just because he’s a dear family member but because when he first got COVID, he kept telling everyone that he was scared.
And you know me. I always want to give people a pep talk.
I had one all prepared.
But before you hear the pep talk please know that I am also aware that it’s ok to be scared. I am aware that a pep talk is not always the answer. And I am also aware that sometimes the most important thing a person needs is someone to walk through their pain with them by their side. No words, just presence. And I am also aware that this verse is often taken out of context. But a verse that is taken out of context that leads to hope is always right.
But back to my pep talk. Wait one more side note: If you see me in a sad situation, I’m the kind of person who needs a peptalk. Shout out to those [enneagram] 8’s (I think).
Back to the pep talk. You see this particular person who I am talking about is one of the most devoted Christians that I know. He and his family are always in worship, volunteering, always preaching Jesus at people (for better or worse). They are true to the bone West Virginia Christians. And I love them. So when I heard that he was afraid I wanted to tell him:
“Uncle Jeff (that’s his name by the way), do not be afraid! The worst thing that you can do right now is be afraid. Your fear is going to weaken your body and your body needs to be at it’s strongest to battle this virus. Do not be afraid! This is something that you have heard in church all your life. Jesus and the angels constantly tell us to not be afraid. Uncle Jeff, you have been preparing for this moment all your life! You are such a faithful believer and now is the time to lean on your faith more than ever! Do not be afraid! Don’t even be afraid of death! The Bible teaches us that to live is for Christ and to die is for gain. Don’t even be afraid of death!”
I was finally able to talk to him today. I listened to him and I didn’t tell him everything I just wrote up above. I just listened and I prayed for him. My prayer was a more pastoral way of relating the message I wrote above. After my prayer he cried. I really do hope that he was encouraged. Uncle Jeff’s story is what I automatically thought of when I read today’s scripture. What does hope look like for a Christian who is at-risk and is in the ICU for Covid? How does a Christian who is afraid of dying - soar, run, or walk? I think it’s easier said than done.
But what is faith?
Why are we worshipping every Sunday?
Why are we so active in our local church?
Is it not to be built into people who are not afraid? I think so. We just need someone to remind us sometimes. Kindly. Gently. Prayerfully.
May you be wise with your encouragement for yourself and for others.