So prevalent today: you or your co-worker received an email that literally shook the foundation upon which they ‘stood’ – your employment is terminated.
As a result, grief and disbelief threaten to destroy their identity as a person, wrecks the ability to sustain passions which ignite love of work, family, community service.
They are in dire need to put one foot in front of the other and just breath. They are devastated, tears flow, knees collapse, scream out or just ball up in a corner. You (they) are in shock, disbelief, or quietly withdraw.
This particular change is not a small thing – it is a BIG thing.
Our response to change – whether anticipated, abrupt, capricious, violent – is as numerous as there are individuals.
Most times even Romans 5:3-6 doesn’t seem to speak to us (yet):
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
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We face change every day – some we initiate and embrace; other changes are thrust upon us by outside forces. We have some recollection of why we initiate change, but it appears hard to understand and fully discern the motivation behind violent change – like unjust firings, divorce, disease, war.
Change in one’s life, due to any incident or decision, triggers emotional, physical and spiritual burdens. Work can be a heavy burden. Equally, loss of work or dissolution of marriage or loss of a child will literally overwhelm our lives and environment.
Many of us can relate to worries of life, but none of us can fully understand the true impact on the person – even if you have been their soul mate, friend, child, parent – for decades. You can observe changes in behavior, dress, habits, and language. Yet, from here on into forever, we exist in a new land – no longer secure or safe at the moment.
We may begin with a simple – What’s wrong? Any answer begins a ‘holy’ conversation and opens the opportunity to witness resurrection. Any response – words or an embrace or tears – fully engages a three-way conversation – you two and God.
It will take time, but together, know that you are never forgotten and left alone with worries or heartbreak. No matter the circumstance, we are in God’s hands. Sift through the rubble and ashes together – hands get dirty. God has sent someone – YOU – to bring mercy on His behalf.
Your role ( as hands, feet, arms of Jesus) means to them that God leaves no one to go through the ‘wear and tear’ of life alone. God sent His Son Jesus to accompany us – always.
God knows and understands your burdens, your loss. He has given you the ‘strength and ability to endure.’ Dt. 33:25
Did you ever wonder why people can find joy in suffering? Why joy seems to burst forth through the lives of those who have endured the most?
Perhaps, you’ve just witnessed resurrection. Carrying our cross through life leads us through unimaginable pits of despair and pain. Even Jesus needed another to assist carrying His cross (Luke 23:26). Be Simon for others, welcome Simon to help you. Walk with Jesus during Lent and all through life.
It’s a perilous, grace-filled responsibility to accompany one another. Yet, we do because God fulfills promises. God is here and made sure that after 3 long days, His people will witness an empty tomb. From that moment, well into forever, God’s people will be able to endure any and all burdens of your daily lives.
Matthew 11: 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
gracexchange 