Everyone Struggles

Today I have been thinking about and praying for several friends who have health issues. It seems I am doing that a lot lately. I suppose part of it is my age. As fifty looms around the corner, my circle of friends age as well. Death and disease seem to be much more frequent visitors in my world. I have noticed that when these struggles enter our world, that many turn their focus more towards God. That is a good thing, but are we turning all of our struggles over to Him? Or just the really scary ones?

What about the people struggling to make it from paycheck to paycheck? Do we lift them up continually? Families for whom one serious setback would send them spiraling towards bankruptcy.

What about families struggling with discord with their spouse or children? Families full of anger and resentment towards one another. Families that are on the verge of being torn apart.

What about people struggling with upheaval in their world? A job loss or change. The stressors of selling their home and moving to a new city. An elderly parent moving into a care home. The loss of a driver’s license as their eyesight dims.

What about people struggling just to function from day to day in a world that doesn’t see their illness? Mental illness can be every bit as debilitating as a physical illness. Are we lifting them up?

My point is simply this; we all struggle. Our struggles may vary over time, even from day to day, but they are there. So the next time you take a moment to spare a thought or a prayer for a loved one, remember, even the little things can take their toll.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

~Marla