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Thursday, August 30

In our time of need

On Monday I read this devotional on Our Daily Bread: The New Normal, and it really struck a cord. As time passes by I have seen more and more loved ones learning to adapt to their new normal - a dear friend with a recently diagnosed chronic illness, another whose sweet child has been diagnosed with a serious condition, and many others dealing with traumatic changes and the loss of what once was and will never be again.

In our home we're no strangers to the challenge of conforming to a new normal. It can sometimes be an exhausting and lonely road as time seems to callously race ahead. What a comfort to know we have a great high priest to help us in our time of need. And as we lean on His strength to sustain us and His wisdom to guide us, let us devote ourselves to pray for one another. In addition to faithful prayer, I believe it is a great kindness to remember that behind many a surface smile there is often another story. If you know someone who is grappling with upheaval in their life, support them with your loving patience and a listening heart as they tread uncharted ground.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) emphasis mine
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.