The word translated here as, "distress," is from a Hebrew word which means, "narrow, tight," or, restricted. One dictionary defines distress as, "great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering, affliction, trouble." Most do not need a dictionary's help in defining it.
There is something, however, which I would like you to consider today. Far too many people attempt to battle debilitating, "distress," on their own, never sharing with anyone their deepest, "distress." But isn't a privilege of being a member of, "the Body of Christ," the wonderful fellowship which we have in Jesus Christ and with the Brethren? And remember that the Word for fellowship in the Bible means, "a participation in." Perhaps no one can "participate in" our, "distress," quite to the degree as we do, but there is something about, "a participation in," viz., the great Fellowship of and in the Church which it would do all well to at least "investigate." It just could be one of the most neglected of the "means of grace."
A great revelation in the Bible is that all humanity can have in Jesus Christ The Very One Who has, "a participation in," our lives, the joys as well as the, "distress." The various translations of Isaiah 53 tell us of Jesus, that He was, "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief....It was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows (sicknesses, diseases) that weighed Him down." All of this glorious victory which Jesus is to us was "released" in, "the Blood of His Cross." And because of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, the Church now has a great weapon in the battle against, "distress." So don't try to "go it alone," my friend. Never forget that in the, "participation in," the Redeemed, the Church of Jesus, whether in huge gatherings, or over that cup of coffee, we also have a victory over, "distress." We are "here" for each other. ;
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for the provision in You and Your Church to, "Take away (any) distress." Amen.
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Even though we have had to make our arrangements for the Berlin Missions quite early over the past few years, please remember us in your prayers for the next mission, October 28-November 15.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
