Bear one another's burdens.

Words from God's Word in Galatians -

"bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the laws of Christ."

We used to have a caregiver's ministry at our church - we visited shutins, or prepared meals for families experiencing illness or loss. It was easy - back then, not a lot of women worked outside the home - or if they did, somehow their schedule always allowed peeling an extra potato or two and putting it in the pot...extending the potroast dinner for 3 to a potroast for 5 or 6. Chopping a little extra lettuce and adding another tomato and getting that spare bottle of salad dressing out of the pantry. Not a really hard thing to do at all - in fact, caring for others is one of the easiest things in the world to do. If they let you. Sometimes people (we) bottle everything up - let it stay inside instead of letting others see that they (we) are hurting or are needing help and encouragement.

What makes them (us) do that? Is it pride? Fear of "letting someone in?"

Sometimes the most difficult step we take in a crisis situation is asking someone for prayers or for help. But for those of us who have taken that step, the relief is immense because it means we are not standing by ourselves - there are others with us at the foot of the cross and God is hearing their prayers too. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray...and wait for His answers. When my cousin Tina was ill, many of us flocked to an online care page set up by her family - for updates, encouraging news, and to be thankful for the prayers of others for this same wonderful lady we all loved. His answer for us was not the answer we prayed for - but it was one which brought Tina eternal peace and rest in Christ.

Encouragement and friendship - hope for the fellowship of believers.

Sometimes I don't know what to say to someone who is ill, or grieving, or lonely; worried or afraid, angry or upset. It sometimes feels so inadequate to say "I'll keep you in my prayers - as if my feeble prayers are going to change the situation. On the contrary, what will change things are not my prayers but His answers.

My heart prompts me more and more these days to pray for our military. Not just because of my own two dear soldiers - but, Dear God, for all of our armed forces. For their fears to be calmed so that their minds will be on the mission and not on the unknown waiting for them; so that their faith and courage would constantly be with them so that their resolve may be stronger than that of the enemy.

Dear Lord, help us to encourage one another in all circumstances - but also help us to be willing to share the burdens you've asked us to bear. It lets our faith be strengthened as we stand together at the foot of your cross.