Letter to a Friend

You asked a question the other day. I’m sorry it has taken so long to respond. The question wasn’t an easy one. The question cut through to the very core of belief. There is no good answer to it that will make the experience easier.
The answer of course is Jesus. I would love to tell you that all you have to do is believe in Him and all your troubles will go away. They won’t. As your faith grows though, you begin to see that some of the troubles aren’t that big after all. Those troubles fall by the side. In times of stress, you pick them back up and carry them awhile. Eventually, you begin to learn that you don’t have to do that and you are able to leave those on the road.
There are other troubles though. These troubles torment you. Last night, I would have given anything to be able to step out of this body. It doesn’t work. It hurts. One day it lets me do everything. The next day even unloading the dryer is a herculean task. Jesus and I, we had a talk about that. I cried and tried to stomp my feet and told Him it’s not fair. As He wrapped His arms around me, I caught a glimpse of His hands. I cried out “I’m sorry Lord. I forgot.” He said “I know.”
See, He has counted all the hairs on our head. Even before we were born, He knew what our days would be. He knew our successes and our failures. He knew when we would give up. He knew when we would hold tight to His hand. I don’t know how time and God work. I do know that even though He knows everything about us, He loves us so much that He died for us. He loved us so much that He conquered death and was resurrected just so we could have a relationship with Him. He sent us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us.
The spot you are in right now is rough. I’ve been there. The only advice I have is hold on. The beautiful thing about life is that it moves on. For everyday I’m throwing a hissy fit because I can’t do what I want to do, there is a day (or two) when everything comes easy. Hold onto the easy days. Enjoy them. Treasure them in your heart so that when the trials come you can remember the good.
Trust in the Lord your God. He created you and the rest of this mess. He loves you. He created all of this just so that He could have a relationship with you. Whatever happens remember that His plans for you are good.
Oh, and reach out to your family. Each of us loves you too. Many of us have walked your path. Others of us are walking your path with you. Together we are stronger.
When this life is over, we get to go home. Our bodies will be perfect then. Our minds will be perfect then. Our rest and joy will be complete for all of eternity. Our Jesus will take us in His arms and all this will fade away.
I love you.