Lord Have Mercy

Psalm 136

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!

For His mercy endures forever:

To Him who alone does great wonders,

For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,

For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,

For His mercy endures forever;

To Him who made great lights,

For His mercy endures forever -

The sun to rule by day,

For His mercy endures forever;

The moon and stars to rule by night,

For His mercy endures forever.

With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,

For His mercy endures forever...

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!

For His mercy endures forever.

(verses 1-9, 12, 26)

~

For Love of a Snail

"he leaves a shining trail behind him..."

Job 41:32

I went for a walk with my sweetie the other day, on a trail near our home.  It's a place of loveliness, with trees and flowers galore.  We saw birds and butterflies and plenty of lizards.  We also saw a momma duck, and a daddy duck, and two ducklings playing tag nearby. 

And we saw a snail. 

In earlier times in my life, I might not have noticed the snail.  After all, it's just a snail.  It's not furry, or soft in any way.  It doesn't have a face that attracts attention, or even eyes that can evoke feeling. 

Like this guy:

photo credit: shrek.wikia.com

The snail that I saw was crossing the trail, veerry slowly..... The sun was hot, and he had a long way to go, and I was a little worried about him, with all the walkers and joggers and cyclists on the trail.  So I carefully picked him up and moved him across, putting him down in the shade, so he could finish his journey in safety.

You see, I have a daughter who is exceptionally, extraordinarily compassionate.  Even overly compassionate, if there is such a thing.  For as long as I can remember, any creature that somehow made it into our home, has made it out alive.  Spiders, crickets, June bugs, the occasional bee, and yes, the lizard and the bird that found themselves in our house, have gently been escorted out.

{The exceptions are ants, who are gunning for our food, 

and the cockroaches who invaded one summer.  Those I killed.  Dead.}

And the reason for all of this mercy, is my sweet daughter.  Out of deference to her sympathetic heart, all of us have taken to relocating the critters in our house.  And a snail whose minutes might have been numbered, found himself in the shade, and within easy reach of the grass.

My daughter's extreme compassion is unusual in our family.  I mean, we're all nice people, but I never used to have any qualms about squashing spiders who invaded.  And I wonder if maybe her compassion is one of the ways that she's most like God.

We all are like Him; designed in His image.  And yet we can be very different from one another.  I love that ~ that we're all like Him in some way, without necessarily being like each other.  So maybe the way she's got my eyes, and her father's artistic talent, and her aunt's hair ~ she's got her heavenly Father's mercy.  Maybe our strongest quality is the way in which we are most like Him.

None of us are perfect.  But we don't have to be, to be like Him.  My sweet girl's consideration of others, and my husband's creativity, and my son's unending joy, are more than just characteristics of the people I love.   They are characteristics of the Lord I love.

~ "So God created man in His own image;

   in the image of God He created him;

        male and female He created them." ~

Genesis 1:27

~

Motive, Means, and Opportunity

You know what's an interesting Bible verse?  Philippians 4:10. 

It's interesting in that it comes between verses 8 and 9, and verse 11. 

Tens tend to do that, you know, come between nines and elevens...

Philippians 4:8 and 9 are a couple of very powerful, beautiful verses. 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever thing are noble, 

whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -

meditate on these things.  

The things which you learned and received

 and heard and saw in me,

these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

You know those verses, right?  Good stuff. 

And how about verse 11:

"Not that I speak in regard to need,

for I have learned in whatever state I am,

to be content..."

Another verse we should all have memorized.  And put into practice. 

But in between is verse 10, and it's a favorite of mine. 

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now

at last your care for me has flourished again;

though you surely did care,

but you lacked opportunity."

Paul was simply thanking the church at Philippi for monetary gifts they had given him in the past, and acknowledging that there had been a season in which they had not been able to financially support him in his ministry.

But the words that stood out to me, years ago, were: "you lacked opportunity".  It reassured me that there are, indeed, times when we simply are not in a position to show compassion or support to someone the way we wish we could.  That's not to say there's not any way to care for someone, just maybe not the way we wish we could.  And it impressed upon me the urgency ~ the obligation, almost ~ to take advantage of the opportunities when they come. 

I thought about this verse recently, when I read an article about a doctor named D. Holmes Morton, living in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, where he runs a clinic called the "Clinic for Special Children". 

Years ago, Dr Morton was asked by a friend at a Children's Hospital in Philadelphia to look at the case of a young Amish boy who had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  Dr Morton realized that diagnosis was incorrect, and helped develop a test that would identify the affliction, called GA-1, in younger children, who would then be treatable. 

The Amish and Mennonites are afflicted by a high incidence of hereditary diseases, many of which are fatal.  But if they are caught early, they can be treated.  So Dr Morton and a colleague visited families, collecting urine and blood samples, and identifying and then treating several people with the genetic makeup that would lead to some of these diseases.

Though the Amish have no hesitation trusting doctors and hospitals to help their children, Dr Morton believed that the best way to study and care for these children is where they live, so he opened his clinic near them.  It was built in 1990, in one day, by dozens of Amish and Mennonite carpenters, farmers and construction experts.

Dr Morton has not only the necessary expertise in medicine and genetics, but an interest in, and compassion for, children in rural communities.  And he respects their lifestyle.  I don't know that there are a lot of people who don't respect the lifestyle choices of the Amish or Mennonite communities, but sometimes being different is hard.  He says he was "deeply affected" by the Amish belief that disabled children are "sent by God to teach us how to love."  And in turn, Dr Morton and his team have earned this community's appreciation for his work, his sensitivity, and his passion.  

He saw an opportunity.  He had the ability, he had the knowledge, and he made this calling his life's work, because he had both opportunity and compassion.  What a difference we can make, when God gives us the opportunity.

~

Comprehending Understanding

"that we may be able to comfort"

2 Corinthians 1:4

I had lunch with a friend of mine a few weeks ago.  We used to be in Bible study together, but she moved awhile ago.  Not too far for lunch together, but far enough that it's too far for her to go to get to the church where our study meets.  So she's going to one nearer her new house. 

We had a lovely lunch at In-N-Out ~ cheeseburger with a whole grilled onion and extra spread, please.  And an order of fries.  Thank you.

And we had a lovely chat.  We studied together for many years, and got to know each other well, so we spent the time getting up to date on each others joys and woes.  But she also said something interesting, that I've been thinking about ever since. 

My friend has had her share of struggles.  She's was married for years and is now divorced, from a man who was an addict.  She has two grown kids who, when their parents' marriage ended, took it out on her, and she had friends she lost because of the breakup of her marriage.  Her house was broken into a couple years ago.  She had to move because she had to change jobs, and she's missing our Bible study class, that she loved attending.

But here's the thing:  she was talking about someone in a prayer group that she's in.  I guess they each call someone on a regular basis to chat with them and pray for them, and she was struggling with the woman who has been calling her.  She's very nice, and seems to want to try, but my friend seems to feel there's something missing from the conversation.  There's a lack of understanding somehow.  

The reason?  According to my friend, it's that her prayer partner "has never struggled".  Isn't that interesting?  Her marriage is good, they've never had financial worries, everyone's health is good... everything seems to be peaches and cream at their house. 

Now, one of two things is happening here.  Either this gal does have her share of struggles, and she doesn't share about them, or she really is living a nearly perfect life. 

I know the woman a little bit, and to be honest, as far as I can tell, it's pretty much peaches and cream.  Which is wonderful.  I would never wish unhappiness or trials on anyone.  And God allows what God allows.  We simply can't compare our lives with anyone else's.  But I also can appreciate why my friend feels a lack of understanding.  It's the difference between sympathy and empathy.

It reminds me, once again, that God knows what He's doing.  I know already that He allows trials and difficulties in our lives, and I know that He's got His reasons.  But here's one I generally don't think about ~ it enables us to love others a little better.  

I love 2 Corinthians 1:4, which says that we are comforted in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  I love knowing that He comforts us, and expects us to turn around and bless others the same way we've been blessed.  But I really never thought about that fact that it wouldn't be possible for Him to comfort us, if we had no tribulation. 

I'm also thankful that we have Him.  That He withstood pain and temptation while on earth, so that we need never feel a lack of empathy.  He gets it.  He has walked the roads we walk, and has wisdom to share.  And He's right where we need Him.

~ "For we do not have a High Priest 

who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, 

  but was in all points tempted as we are, 

yet without sin." ~

Hebrews 4:15

~

Fort Bliss

"Man the fort!"

Nahum 2:1

When my sweet girl was younger, we had a conversation one day, when she was having a bad day.  I went into her room where she was sniffling and grumpy, and asked her what was wrong.  And she said she didn't know.  She didn't understand.  She just felt cranky and impatient and mad at everyone. 

And haven't we all been there?

We talked about a few things that might be the cause:  not enough sleep, being hungry, and how some days are just bad days. 

And I told her she needed to find a way to help herself.  She should read something in her Bible, and pray, but that she could also play some music, or read a book she loves, or draw for awhile.  I said, "You need to find what will help you.  I can't do it for you."  And I gave her a kiss on the head, and walked out of her bedroom.

About ten minutes later, I came in to check on her, and you know what she had done?  Built a fort out of blankets and a chair or two, and brought every stuffed animal she owned in there with her.  And a little while after sitting in her "happy place," she was feeling better. 

I thought of this recently, when I read a great quote by Booker T. Washington ~ "Lay hold of something that will help you, and then use it to help somebody else."

I think it's important to know what helps us when we're discouraged, or faithless, or just plain grumpy.  Know what music, what Bible verse or Scriptural truth will bring our minds back to Him, and what's important. 

But that quote reminded me of our responsibility to others.  It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ~ "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted.  I know the wording is a bit like a tongue twister, but it's such a beautiful passage.  It's both a reminder to be grateful for the ways He comforts us, and to see what we can do for others. 

My girl is one of the most compassionate people I know.  She not only thinks of others, she hurts when others hurt.  And she reaches out in ways she thinks would help.  She blesses me every day.

And I know, that if what I needed was a fort full of stuffed animals, she'd be the first to provide it. 

~ "that I may be encouraged together with you 

       by the mutual faith both of you and me" ~

Romans 1:12

~

Melancholia under the Mistletoe

"who can have enjoyment?"

Ecclesiastes 2:25

Well, Christmas is over now.  But you'd never know it from my house.  All the decorations are still up; the tree, the lights on the house, the whole shebang.   Years ago, I used to spend January 1 taking down Christmas; wrapping up ornaments and carefully putting strings of lights back into their original packaging.  It was a such a pleasant and productive way to spend the day, with the Rose Parade, and Bowl Games on in the background. 

But for some reason, the past few years, I have been in less of a hurry to take down Christmas.  I know this year it's partially because we were gone for a week, so we had a week less to enjoy our decked halls.  So I think while I'm unpacking and doing laundry and cleaning the science projects out of the fridge, I'll just keep celebrating the season awhile longer. 

And yes, I'm listening to Christmas music ;)

But for every person who is trying to prolong the holidays a little, there are probably several people who are glad they are over.   The end-of-the-year/beginning-of-the-next-year season is difficult for some people.   Maybe it's because they're lonely.  Maybe it's because they are reminded of their financial struggles more than the rest of the year.   Maybe they're going through a divorce, or missing an estranged child. 

This past Christmas, there were many in America whose thoughts were with the families of Newtown, Connecticut.  I also know a few friends who are celebrating their first Christmas after the death of a loved one.  It can be difficult to begin a new year, looking ahead at 2013 looming endlessly, not knowing how you're going to manage without that person you loved.

We think of Christmas as a time of joy and happiness.  But this year, as I was singing songs about Jesus coming to earth, and the world celebrating the night of His birth... all of a sudden, I wondered: what was God thinking that night?  How did He feel? 

We celebrate Jesus' birth because of what it means to us.  He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Deliverer.  Our faith in Him will lead us to heaven.  Our acceptance of Jesus as Lord means the promise of peace in our hearts, no matter our circumstances, and it means the promise of eternal life with Him.

It means the forgiveness of our sins. 

His birth does not grant us forgiveness, however.  We are not cleansed and righteous just because of that night in Bethlehem.  That was only the beginning.  Jesus was to spend 33 years walking on this earth, leading and teaching and loving.  And then He had to die. 

Turn to one of the gospels, and read the passage about Jesus' death on the cross.  (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).  You will not read about angels singing or shepherds rejoicing.  You will read about the sun being darkened, the earth quaking and rocks splitting.  That's not joy. 

So in my mind, while I was thinking about those who were having trouble celebrating this Christmas, I thought of God.  I imagined Him thinking of all that was to come, and I thought, maybe that night was difficult for Him. 

I know that His sacrifice was necessary; His death was necessary.  And to die for us, He had to be born for us.  God knew all that.  But still, I imagine it was bittersweet for Him to send His Son, whom He loved, to die for us, whom He loves.

As I say, I don't know what's in God's mind.  I'm just thinking out loud here.  Well, in print.  But it gave me a comforting, reassuring feeling to know that God understands us.  That when the world tells you that you should be celebrating, and yet your heart is holding back a little, it's okay. 

If that's you, I hope you know you can rest in Him.

~ "the Lord searches all hearts 

and understands all the intent of the thoughts.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you" ~

1 Chronicles 28:9

~

Hurting for prayer

"continuing steadfastly in prayer"

Romans 12:12

Do you know anyone with chronic health problems?  I know a few.  I suppose, in a way, that includes everyone.  Who doesn't know someone who suffers from headaches, back trouble, arthritis or asthma?  I used to know someone with multiple sclerosis, but we've lost track of each other.  I still think of her sometimes, and wonder how she's doing.  And I have a friend with fibromyalgia, and a friend who gets recurring migraines, and another friend who has been troubled by gout more than once, and two friends who struggle with muscle or joint pain.  Not arthritis, really, but something like it. 

One of these friends, when explaining her affliction, always says, "It's not something you die from; it's something you learn to live with."

That line has struck with me for years, because I think it's true of a lot of life.  We all have something, physical or emotional, that we have to learn to live with. 

But it's one thing to be someone who has a chronic health problem.  It's something else to be the friend of someone with a chronic health problem.  That can be a tricky line to walk.  Being understanding without ever being irritated that you always have to do all the driving.  Or being concerned enough to ask how they're feeling, without ever making them think "how come no one ever talks about anything but my condition?" 

Recently I had a learning experience with one of these friends, I'll call her Susannah, cuz I love that name.  We were with some other friends, a couple of them new to our group.  And Susannah was in a little bit of pain, which is not unusual.  It's not a lot of pain.  She rarely even mentions it, but she was walking a little slower than usual on that day, and one of the new gals ~ I'll call her Cornelia, cuz I love that name, too but my husband hated it, so there was no chance I was ever going to get to name a daughter that.  I love old-fashioned names.  The Apple of my Eye ~ not so much.  My Awesome Girl is very grateful to my husband for his stubbornness.  He probably would have agreed to "Susannah" for our girl, but we didn't think it sounded good with our last name.

At any rate, Cornelia noticed, and asked if she was alright.   Susannah replied with a brief explanation of her problem, very low-key and offhand, just as she always is about it. 

Cornelia's response was ~ I'm ashamed to say ~ surprising to me.  She asked Susannah if she could pray for her, and then she did.  And it made me realize how long it has been since I prayed for Susannah.  I think it has come to be no big deal for me ~ just as she always makes it seem whenever anyone asks about it.  But in becoming so nonchalant about it, I think I became callous to it.

I not only don't pray for her to be healed from it ~ like I've just decided God's never going to do that ~ I also don't pray for her symptoms to be mild, and I don't pray for her sleep to be good, and I don't pray for her to have His strength when she feels weak. 

In Luke 18, Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow, and verse 1 says that parable is a lesson, "that men always ought to pray and not lose heart."  I think that "losing heart" means giving up on a prayer ever getting an answer, but is it any better to decide that someone else doesn't need prayer?  That they are doing just fine in their affliction, or in their trial? 

I've been friends with Susannah for years, but I'm realizing now I could be a much better friend to her.

~ "as for me, far be it from me

that I should sin against the Lord

in ceasing to pray for you" ~

1 Samuel 12:23

Been there, done that

"as we are"

Hebrews 4:15

I'm reading a new book.  Well, new to me.  I think it was written in the 60s.  I never heard of it before someone recommended it for my Amazing Boy, and that surprises me, because it's by an author I loved when I was a kid.

I'm not very far into it, but it's very intriguing.  The boy who is the hero of the book is living at the time of Jesus, so it's giving an interesting glimpse into what life was like for people who lived in that time.  The boy is Jewish, living under the tyranny of the Romans, and waiting and hoping for the opportunity for the Jews to break free.  Then a relative of his invites him to come hear Jesus preach, and he's forced to examine his motives and goals. 

I think my Amazing Boy will enjoy it.  He likes history, he likes learning about the Bible.

I am liking it because it's thought-provoking and interesting, but also because it's about the time in Jesus' life, that isn't detailed in the Bible.  Of course it's fiction, but based on what we know of Jesus' early public life.  I just love to imagine the things we don't know about His life on earth.  After all, we know about His birth, and then not much else until He was a man of about thirty, and don't you just love wondering what His life was like in the meantime?

I think I began wondering about Jesus' "lost years" when I had my children.  Both times, I was pregnant during the Christmas season, and it made me think a lot about Jesus' mother, Mary, and what it must have been like for her.  And then after I had my kids, I began to picture Jesus at whatever age my kids were, experiencing what they experienced.  Learning to walk, getting His first tooth, running to His father when he came home from someplace.  Making friends, learning carpentry, visiting relatives, playing with the neighbor's goat.... the joy of wondering and imagining is endless. 

You should try it.  Wonder what Jesus might have been like, might have done or said in a given situation.  Why?  Because He was as we are.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."  Don't you find that comforting?  "In all points tempted as we are".  That means tempted to lie, tempted to be lazy, tempted to gossip.  Tempted to ~ well, everything I am.  I find that very reassuring. 

Can you imagine Him living your life?  Having to make the same decisions you make, struggling with the things that cause you to struggle?  For me, it's one of the best things about the fact that He walked this earth.  Wherever I am, He's there, and wherever I go, He's been there.

~ "He knows the way that I take;

When He has tested me, 

I shall come forth as gold." ~

Job 23:10

But it's a good kind of hurt

"Show mercy and compassion,

everyone to his brother"

Zechariah 7:9

I'm thinking a lot about compassion lately.  We always think of compassion as a good thing.  Caring about others, showing mercy, being selfless...  But recently I watched each of my kids experience compassion for someone else, and in both cases, my kids were hurting.

The first instance was while we were camping.  Amazing Boy went with some of the group when they went fishing.  And afterwards, he was very quiet.  I thought it was because he didn't have a pole of his own, and was disappointed he wasn't able to participate.  But when I asked him what was wrong, he just said quietly, "I thought it was going to be catch-and-release."

I didn't know quite what to say.  We've always explained to our kids that eating meat is part of God's plan for our nourishment (from Genesis 9:3 ~ "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.")  But it was hard for me to make that argument in the case of that fish.  The people that my Amazing Boy were fishing with had food back at their camp.  They did not need that fish, in order for them to survive. 

We also teach our children that though some animals are to be used for food, they should be treated as humanely as possible.  Obviously we can't always know if that's the case, and I believe that in this case, the fish was treated as humanely as possible.  But it was the first time he ever saw a meal in it's living state, you know?  It was an animal to him, not a food, and he was hurting.

His sensitivity is only part of why he's amazing....

A few days after we got home, my Awesome Girl wasn't feeling well.  It was a Wednesday, and we usually attend our church's mid-week Bible study on Wednesdays.  The Apple of my Eye was especially looking forward to going, as we had missed the previous Sunday and Wednesday at church because of our vacation.

But then she wasn't feeling well, so she and I stayed home from church that evening.  And she felt terrible for her father, because he had to go without me.  My Amazing Boy was going too, but he'd be with his friends, so my Sweetie would be sitting alone.

And he was fine with that.  He's a grown man and although he'd miss having me next to him, it would just be for a little while.  And besides, he'd have some nice one-on-one time in the car with our Amazing Boy.

But she had compassion for her father, and it was hurting her to think he might be lonely ~ probably because that's how she'd feel in his position.

Her love for her family is only part of why she's awesome....

And I thought to myself, why does compassion have to hurt?

But I think, it's because that's what compassion is.

Mercy is often compared with compassion, but look at the difference in the words:  Mercy means to take pity on someone.  To treat them kindly, especially when you have the power to harm them.

But compassion comes from the Latin for "to suffer with".  And that pretty much answers the question.  Yes, compassion means hurting.  But that's a good thing.

When I decided to share with you what I had discovered about compassion, I thought about what might be a good Bible verse to go along with it.  I wanted a verse about how He wants us to have compassion on our fellow man.  But the only verses I could think of ~ and almost all I could find when I looked ~ was verses about His compassion.

And that fact tells an important truth about Him.  Yes, He wants us to have compassion on others, as evidenced by the highlighted verse in Zechariah.  But He also wants us to know that He has compassion on us.  He loves us, and He hurts when we hurt.  Scripture tells us that over and over again.

Having compassion for others is a good thing, though it hurts.  His compassion for us was painful for Him.  And the supreme definition of love. 

~ "You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion,

and gracious, longsuffering 

and abundant in mercy and truth" ~

Psalm 86:15

A Touching Moment

"when they had crossed over... 

all who touched Him were healed"

Matthew 14:34...36

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I love noticing "timing" and "connections" in the Bible.  Like when I realize that this event came right after that event and hmm.... isn't that an interesting "coincidence".  There are hundreds.... or at least dozens? of those connections those, especially in the gospels.  Sometimes the "chapter and verse" numbers can do us a disservice, by causing us to stop reading at a certain place, or to think that just because two paragraphs are separated by space, they were separated by time, too.

On the other hand, those little numbers are a big help, otherwise I'd be forced to tell you that today's verse is on page 1045.  Of the particular version of the Bible I happen to be looking at today.  Good luck finding that in yours...

So the event timing that I noticed today in Matthew was concerning Peter walking on the water.  That's such a great passage about courage, and faith.  At Jesus' command, Peter walked to Him across the water, but then he came to a realization of the wind and the waves, and he began to sink.  He cried out to Jesus to save him.  Jesus did so by reaching out His hand to Peter.  Now, remember that part for a few minutes.

After they climbed back into the boat, they crossed over the water, and landed at Gennesaret.  And pretty soon, people were coming to Him, bringing their sick.  And what did Jesus do to heal them?  He touched them.  He reached out His hand to them.  As a matter of fact, all they had to do was touch the edge of His cloak, and they were healed.

When Peter had panicked, and cried out to Jesus, all Jesus had to do was say, "Oh, you're fine.  Just stand up straight."  But He didn't.  He reached out to touch Peter, and in so doing, He did more than just keep Peter from sinking ~ He healed him.  He healed Peter's fear, and his faithlessness, and verse 31 says He did so immediately.  All Peter wanted was to not drown, but Jesus had more in mind than that.

I love that Jesus expressed love through touching, but more than that, I love that by touching, He healed. I wonder if it was even possible for Him to touch someone, and not bring some kind of healing.   And so I think that if we ask Him for help in one area of our lives, He will do more than that.  If we're afraid of drowning, He will not only save us, but give us strength and increase our faith.  We can't reach out for His cloak, but we can pick up His Word, and in it, we'll find the healing we need ~ whether we know we need it or not.

~ "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" ~

Matthew 14:31

Ready or not...

"Herod had John the Baptist 

beheaded in the prison"

Matthew 14:10

Sometimes we wonder why things happen when they do.  Especially when it's something bad, on top of something bad.   "Why is God doing this to me?" we think.  Or maybe you've thought to yourself, "I think maybe this time God has given me more than I can handle."  Or even, "I don't think He understands what I'm going through, or He wouldn't be asking this of me right now!"

"John's disciples went and told Jesus."

Matthew 14:12

At Herod's birthday celebration, the daughter of Herodias danced for him.  He was so pleased, he promised to give her anything she asked for, and at her mother's prompting, she requested the head of John the Baptist. 

John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin.  But more than that, he was His prophet.  Echoing the words of Isaiah, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord!"

"When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place."

Matthew 14:13

Verse 13 gives us a glimpse into Jesus' pain upon hearing the news of John's death.  Though He knew it was coming, it still caused Him to grieve.  And in His grief, all He wanted, was to be alone.

Look at the words in that verse:  "withdrew"... "privately"... "solitary"...   You can't miss the message here.  Jesus didn't often think of Himself, but here He pulled away, from His disciples, and from the crowds.

"Hearing of this, 

the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns"

Matthew 14:13

But it wasn't to be.  "Really?  Now?  Can I just get some time to Myself??"  No.  Nor "why didn't you stop them?" to the disciples.  Instead...

"When Jesus saw a large crowd, 

He had compassion on them and healed their sick."

Matthew 14:14

Service.  Love.  Compassion.  In the midst of His grief.  And then?  As if that wasn't enough.

"As evening approached, 

the disciples came to Him... 

'Send them away, 

so they can buy themselves some food.'"  

Matthew 14:15

The people had another need.  But He had a plan.

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish

 and looking up to heaven, 

He gave thanks and broke the loaves.  

The number of those who ate

 was about five thousand men, 

besides women and children."

Matthew 14:19,21

A miracle.  One of His biggest, in terms of the number of people who were blessed.  5000 men.  Plus the women.  Plus the children.  Plus the disciples.

When all He wanted was to be alone.

He understands "Why this?  Why now?"  He did it, too.

"There is a time appointed for everything"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Algebraic Compassion

"comfort with the comfort we ourselves receive"

2 Corinthians 1:4

I studied 1 and 2 Corinthians a few years ago, and this was a verse that really stuck out to me.  Together with verse 3, it tells us that God is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  The key to this verse is that God comforts us, and then we are expected to turn around and comfort others, the way we were comforted.

Going through a trial or affliction teaches us.  And one of the things we learn is how best to help someone else going through that same thing.  Ten years ago, on the day we moved out of our old house, the Apple of my Eye had to work.  We had family and some friends helping us, but it was definitely a day that needed to be covered in prayer.  I had a meeting I had to go to first thing that morning, before picking up the rental truck, and my friends prayed for me before I left.  I'll never forget how touched I was by those prayers, because there were things prayed for, that I would never have thought to pray about.   But there were many women there who had been through it, so they knew the details.  And yes, it was a comfort to me, and yes, the day went unbelievably smoothly.

And we all know the frustration of loving someone who's struggling in some way, and you just can't even imagine it.  We can feel helpless in how to encourage them or what to do for them.  But a struggle you've walked through?  You know just what to do, just what to say, just what to pray.

I thought of this verse today.  The trial my loved one was going through?  ~ Algebra.  It was my Awesome Girl, and the subject was giving her trouble today.  She called me to come help her, and I sat down next to her at the table.  I worked a problem through for her, and then she started to do one on her own.  But I realized that if she got stuck on a step, I wouldn't very easily be able to help her, unless I knew every step of that problem.  So I had to work the problem through, too.  Then we could compare steps, and if she had one wrong, we'd be able to tell immediately.  It was my job to get her through her struggle, and the only way for me to do it, was to walk through it with her.

What a gift to us, that Jesus walked the earth.  He experienced temptation; He felt pain; He knew loss, abandonment and betrayal.  His understanding enables Him to comfort us in our troubles, and then pass that comfort and understanding to others ~ in pain, in loss, or in algebra.

~ "Love one another,

as I have loved you" ~

John 13:34