Being hospitalized in COVID times casts a different shadow for families now.

Surgery for our 17 year old son meant that only one person could be with him : me.

My husband would drop us off at 5:30 on Wednesday morning and not return until Sunday. 

That moment he drove slowly away felt crushing to my soul.

But the weight of my anxiety was replaced by peace as I sat alone in the waiting room.

And the peace that I felt as I awaited updates could only be explained this way: 

The prayers of others were carrying me gently through those long hours.

Like Paul, my gratitude for the faithful was included in my prayers of thanks.

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…”

(Ephesians 1:15 ESV)

Upon hearing of my son’s surgery, my church family and friends immediately put love into action.  Praying together on Zoom, sending goodie baskets, coming for visits.

We are a part of a family larger than the one that bears our last name.

As a body of believers, we belong to each other.

“ so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 ESV)

When we show love to one another, we honor our heavenly Father.

Paul describes this as “the love shown toward all the saints.” (Ephesians 1:15 ESV)

In the hearts of those who call upon Him and call Him Lord is the same power that rose Christ from the grave.

It is that power and that knowledge of the hope that we have in Him that brings us peace.  

Not the knowledge of what we can see, but of what we cannot see.

I could not see anyone with me in the hospital, and yet I did not feel alone.

I felt His presence in a powerful way.

And that is what Father God desires…for us to be in His presence.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”  (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

When His children draw close to Him, God rewards them with His peace.

As we call more and more upon God, so our faith and our relationship with Him grows.

 “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”  (Ephesians 1:18-20 ESV)

As our faith deepens, our perspective expands and the eyes of our hearts are opened.

We do not gain worldly knowledge, but rather spiritual knowledge.

Not only are we able to see hope, but also those around us in need of that hope.

We see each other through His loving eyes.

And when we do, we reflect the image of our Creator.

Knowing that nothing happens to us here that is not under His dominion provides a security that cannot be found anywhere else.

“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”  (Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV)

Regardless of our circumstances, there is nothing that happens that is not under the feet of the One who gave His life for you and for me.

How glorious is the hope that we have in Him, knowing He is always near.

Brothers and sisters, that is something to give thanks for each day.

Prayer: Father God, we are so grateful to be a part of your holy family.  Thank you for our brothers and sisters who shine Your light and share Your love in this broken world.  Open the eyes of our hearts that we might see clearly those in need of the hope and peace that only comes from You.

In Your Son’s most precious name, Amen.

Are you experiencing a difficult time right now in your life?

“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Now fill in the blank: ____________________________ is under His feet.

Pray this scripture over your situation: 

“Father God, the weight of __________is heavy, but I know that this problem is under Your feet.”