THIS POST MAY TRIGGER.

I have been so led to write this post. I do hope it is of help to some one.

As many of my readers know, I have been homebound for many years. I remember all too clearly the shock of the realisation that, due to Chronic Illness, my freedoms were rapidly shrinking.

I won’t deny that the current plethora of coverage on how folk will cope with having to #StayHome, has caused me some anguish. This isn’t intended to diminish in any way the harsh reality of Covid19 that communities across the world are facing today.

But, I guess I just need to be brave, and just say it. I am hurt by the bafflement in news reports of ‘How will everyone cope’ with the challenge that people face with staying at home for weeks.

Ignoring the fact that there are thousands of people who have been doing just that. For decades. Behind closed doors, blinds and eyes. Whilst often fielding bullying, emotional abuse,  disbelief and denial at their situation. And of the illness from which they suffer, greatly.

Fortunately for us in that situation there are some folk who believe us. And who offer heart-warming and amazing support. They are a light in a very real darkness.

John 1:5 NIV

⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.

Community

One reassuring factor with the current limitations on people’s movements is. People won’t question you as an individual why. Folk (often complete strangers) are supporting one another in heart-warming and amazing ways also. I myself am benefitting from such kindness. The facts are accepted, in the main, by everyone. There are of course exceptions. An invisible illness is pervading our world. But it isn’t the first one.

Sadness

Sadly, there is a far greater pain a far greater darkness. Another anguish that is laying more heavily on my heart. That is the people who are severely affected by Covid19, and who devastatingly, cannot recover. In their last moments, they are alone. It is unthinkable and makes me want to sob.

Hope

This leads me to share something very precious. That will help bring peace, courage and comfort.

How could anyone find comfort in this awful situation. How?

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

As you probably know, I’m a Christian. My faith helps me in ways which are hard to put into words. But I will try.

How could being a Christian help? How on earth could that help?

You Are Not Alone

Here is how. By inviting Christ into your life you will never be alone again. He is with you, always. I cope with isolation, because of Him. I have a friend, comforter, listener, counsellor, bringer of peace, healer and extinguisher of fear. He invites you to sob in His arms and just let go at any time. No appointment or delivery slot required.

Isaiah 9:6b NIV

^6b
    …and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Global Family

There is a global family who will pray with you and for you. When I became a Christian the Pastor who baptised me said ‘you are now part of God’s family’. That blew me away. And it is true. I now know many Christians across the globe. Some of whom I will probably never meet.

He is Listening

I understand that many folk may say, ok, thanks for that Penny. But is it true? Really true? I say a resounding, YES! I have called upon His name in the darkest of times and He has been an ever present help. I have cried out to Him countless times and He answers. And well before illness struck. I have called upon him innumerable times. When you cannot find the words His intercessor, the Holy Spirit, will convey everything.

Romans 8:26-27 NIV

Life Through the Spirit

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Reach Out

My prayer is that so many will call upon Him and come to know Him. He will not say, ‘but why have you waited ten, twenty, thirty, forty or more years’. Or present you with hurdles or trappings to meet a criteria. No. You can seek him empty handed. Because we really do have nothing to give. He’s already given everything.

Hebrews 4:15 NKJV

¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,

Let Go, Be Embraced

He wants you to let go. And He will say, ‘turn to me, turn away from what went before and let go. I have been waiting for you to call out to me. I have been waiting to welcome you into my embrace. Into my love for you. Free from fear’.

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

These are serious times for us all. And I just couldn’t leave it unsaid. Please, Consider the cross. It will bring you PEACE, HOPE and FREEDOM from fear.

Stay safe and well dear friends.

Christ is near, always. ❤

Penny @hopefoundinme

If you have need for prayer support, please do post your prayer need in the comments section below.

Thank you.

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.