God Loves You Weak, Frail
I would like to begin this column by admitting that it was submitted way late; and that I am so very sorry to Kathy, and her staff, who never cease to extend great mercy to me in regards to my deadlines.
Also, please know that Dr. Brown is far better with the deadlines than I am!
Speaking of John, and the Methodist Church, we brought our students from TCAM to the Teen Valley Ranch service a few Sunday nights ago, and had a blast.
The Methodist Church treated us like we were family, and fed us terrific food. We really enjoyed our time with them, and look forward to gathering together again, thank you so much Dr. Brown and your great team!
When I got home Sunday night, I learned that one of the twins was feeling under the weather.
Gabby had been running a low-grade fever, and was cuddled up to Cheryl on the couch as I walked in the house. Lindsey had been sick a few days before, and I was already expecting for the bug to spread around the house…they usually do.
For the past few days I have noticed something about myself, as a father. When the children are sick, I tend to be more gracious with them.
I overlook shortcomings, allow for an untouched plate to be returned to the kitchen with food on it, I tend to speak softer to the ailing child; and I feel a great depth of sympathy toward who ever is sick.
Just tonight I realized that Sophie was warm and a little puny in spirit, so I allowed her to fall asleep on our bed.
As I was tucking her in, I felt such a connection with her. It was the same with Gabby. She fell asleep on the couch, and I carried her into our room so she could sleep next to her twin sister. They always seem to do better with illness, when they stay together as much as possible. As I lay her in bed, I was overwhelmed with love for them both.
First because they are my little girls, and I love them; second, because they are ill, and need me more now than usual.
As I left my room and left them to rest, a thought came over me. I wondered if God experiences the same response towards us in our times of sickness, or even weakness unto sin.
When we are not well, I wonder if He feels this deep love that goes beyond His normal compassion for us.
The Bible states, in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
God is perfected in our weakness, in our sickness. He is greater, more present, closer, and more full of love for us when we need him the most.
Please be encouraged today; please know that God loves you, and when you are weakest, and frail, God is moved with compassion for you. He is ready and willing to come to your aid, and hold you for awhile.