Time for a Change?

I have been unwell for several months recently and the effect has been life changing.  Before last Christmas I was very active, joining in everything and fully involved in all that life presented to me. Now I am waiting for surgery and expect to spend the early part of the summer recovering in the care of family and friends.

 

The most interesting part of all this has been the effect it has had on those around me. Most people have been as expected—wonderfully caring and kind. They have made offers to help and have been very supportive all the time. This makes me so glad that I belong to such a loving and caring church family. I have had plenty of time to think and pray and to encourage others in their work and I have felt supported and loved through the prayers of friends, thank you.

 

But sadly some people in the church seem to think that if someone is ill it is somehow their fault. They have done some great sin and God is slowing them down in order to remind them of their sins. People can be really insulting in the way they imply that if someone had behaved differently they would have had time for God and would not have sinned so much. They seem to think that God is now teaching the sick person a lesson.

 

I simply cannot believe in a God who sends illness to punish sinners. If he did we would all be ill all of the time. Those who tell others to take it easy and pray and read the bible are simply preaching to themselves. It is not only those who are ill who should be reminded to do this but all of us.

 

However when something life changing like this does come along we are given the opportunity to make the most of it. We can sit back and complain about our illness or we can use the time in the best possible ways. We may have extra time to pray and consider the small things in life. We may be able to write to people or telephone them where before we were too busy. The good that can be done by someone who can truly empathise with another person is dramatic.

 

So as you consider the way your life is changing and the new things on your horizon. Spare a thought for others and what is happening in their lives. Together change can be a great good.

 

A prayer:- Father help me to value others and to help and support them in their times of change. Help me to see that I am changing too and that you are there—loving caring and supporting as a true friend should. Bless all our church family today and everyday. Amen