Lessons learned through struggles

patty scahill

One of the most difficult crosses in life to bear is to stand by and watch someone you love suffer. For us, we must recognize that our part is to pray, lend help and offer support.

We must continue to allow the Lord to work in their lives, and ours, even though we may have the urge to “jump in” and help take care of the problem.

Some choose the hard road of staying in addictions and abusive relationships rather than making the “obvious choice” and changing their lifestyles.

Others may find themselves trapped because of overwhelming, or uncontrollable circumstances.

Others are in denial or involved in “enabling or rescuing” the one loved, over and over again. This too can cause one to feel trapped, resentful and contribute overall to a loss of emotional and spiritual peace.

We must trust the Lord. Regardless of what situation we may find ourselves involved in today, God will always make a way for us.

Our hope, placed firmly in him and bathed in prayer will provide us with the necessary strength to hold on until we see our prayers answered.

Resting in the promises found in scripture and believing God at his word will keep us, no matter what the situation looks like.

Our God knows the way through the wilderness; all he requires is that we follow him.

This column is written from an “experience” standpoint. It is written from a once broken heart that traversed through an incredible wilderness journey, yet making it to the other side.

While walking through pain, anger, and misunderstanding, lessons are learned.

These allow for the precious promises of God to be the light at the end of a dark and lonely voyage. And God, who will not disappoint us, is there to help along the way. Are you there? Are you tired and worn out from the journey yet seeing no end?

Perhaps it is someone you know, maybe a friend or family member who is struggling right now. We don’t have to look too far from home to find someone hurting.

There is an answer today. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” By concerning ourselves with the future issues surrounding our lives, we fail to live in the promises of today.

Worry is an enemy of our soul and can rob us of peace of mind and blessings. Worry is anxiety, caused by situations that are out of our control. It is being stressed or distressed. It is the very emotion most of us may experience in these days.

Letting go of our concerns and releasing them into the hands of the Lord daily through heartfelt thoughts and prayers will provide us with what we need to continue forward. We are not alone, for he is with us and for us in our battles.

Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for us and his strength is made perfect in our weakness. For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him, will not perish but have everlasting life.

As a Hospice Chaplain, and previous, it is my calling and privilege to minister to those who are at end of life. They are leaving here and going to their home prepared beforehand by the Lord. Their life is changed, not over, because of Jesus. They have walked into eternity. God loves you and I with an everlasting love and he desires the same for us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, the Bible says, so does God have overwhelming compassion for his us. When we hurt, God’s heart also hurts. He sees our lives and knows our heart. He is aware of the burden that is carried by each and every person. His longing is to draw you and I to himself and carry us through the hurtful times of life. One day at a time, one prayer at a time and one moment at a time, if necessary.

Today, the Lord is reaching out to you. He is saying, “child, I am aware of your burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.” Let us together, commit our ways to the Lord, trust also in him and he will be the sustaining presence evident in our lives. Today, remain steadfast and hopeful, all is well.

XPatty Scahill of Austintown, who is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain, attends Christian Life Church in Canfield.