I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a special insight from Luke chapter 4.
Okay, listen to this, it’s Luke chapter 4, verse 38, because there’s something special I want you to notice. It says, "Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her."
Okay? Now, picture that scene. When Jesus entered the home of Simon Peter and learned his mother-in-law was sick, the people made such a beautiful but oh so simple request: They asked Jesus to help her. No fanfare, no digging deep into the matter, no extended discussions and wondering if it was the will of God or not. No thought given to composing their request in just the right way, none of that. Simply put, Jesus was under their roof, and they knew He had the power to help a sick woman. And He did.
You know, it’s a good thing to remember because sometimes it's hard to know what or how to pray. Ken and I have felt that way lately. For several months, we have been praying nightly for a list of friends who have cancer. Some of the cases are pretty involved, others look hopeful. Through it all, our friends are struggling through pain and disappointment. So many of their family members— one wife in particular, named Cindy — she is flat out, she is worn out! She dearly loves her husband who has brain cancer, but even with their church pitching in, and neighbors helping out, Cindy still has to manage their two children, and work part-time. It’s a constant juggling of everyone’s schedule, and Cindy is tired to the bone. Often she does not know how to pray, but she can't go wrong following the lead of Luke chapter 4, verse 38, "Lord, help him, help my husband; help me." It's simple, to the point, direct and sincere. Jesus is under the roof of their home, and this family does not have to dig deep into the matter or question what is God's will. Jesus knows Cindy’s heart; He hears her cry.
There's something else I like about that prayer: "Lord, help." It sums up our bewilderment.It describes how we've come to the end of our understanding and that we have nowhere or no one else to whom we can turn. To pray, "Lord, help her (or him, as the case may be)" is to show God that you have your focus on Jesus. Whether it's healing in the here and now, or hope for the hereafter, there's one thing utterly true of the Lord: He is under your roof, He is aware of your need; He can do something about your request; and He is ready to help.
Caregivers like Cindy have so many struggles. Often they feel alone. And if you’re a caregiver, be encouraged by Exodus 33 where it says, “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, there is a place by me.’” Wow! There is no higher invitation and no greater companion. God is Cindy’s “shield and helper” as it says in Deuteronomy chapter 33. Friend, help is on the way. In fact, we will send it! If you’re a caregiver, or you know someone like Cindy who is tired of the non-stop 24/7 routines (as well as fears of the future), then please go to our radio page at joniandfriends.org and ask for your free gift, a booklet called “Help for the Caregivers.” It’s National Caregivers Month, so let us hear from you today at joniandfriends.org. Finally, let me pray: Jesus, I pray that You will be a help today to my friend listening who is dealing with illness in the family or a friend or in the neighborhood. I may not be certain how each sickness will turn out, but I know for sure You will shower Your help and hope today. So be it.In your Name, Amen.
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