Everyone knows that we are missing something that most families enjoy - children. God, in His eternal wisdom has withheld the wonderful joy of children from us. Its something that is obvious to most people, especially in our churches where it is usual, even expected to begin a family soon after marriage. And while most people can see our burden, its often not talked about to us. Its not that no-one thinks of us - I know that is NOT the case; we are surrounded with many people that care and love us. But its not often discussed and talked about.
I am sure this is an area in our church life where we can all do better. Its not only me and Rachel saying this; I am sure that others can also testify of this too.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)
How easy is this text to roll off our lips! But how is this applied? Thankfully, our Almighty Father gives so many opportunities and reasons to rejoice, celebrate and enjoy. I think of weddings, births, birthdays, anniversaries, profession of faith, health, strength, families, homes... and the list could go on. We correctly put all these gifts into perspective by thanking the gracious Giver of these gifts.
Rachel and myself are the first to admit that even the command to rejoice with those who rejoice can be very difficult. When in a place of festivities, the purpose of getting together is to celebrate a wonderful gift God has given, whatever that may be. Its important to rejoice with them; God is the Giver and Author of the gifts, and he bestows them on His children. So to be able to celebrate with them is so essential.
But I think that its important, even scriptural, to remember those that have not been blessed with those gifts. God, in his wisdom, has withheld some gifts from some of His children. And as much as we can expect good things from our Heavenly Father, God does not promise us gifts or many blessings in this life. But what God does promise us is the strength to bear whatever burden he places on our path. It think of what the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When you are given the next opportunity to celebrate another of God's gifts, take a look behind you, towards the back of the room, to see those that may have tear in the corner of their eye, or their heads bowed down. Yes, we can go home and comment to each other how hard it must be for the others... But again, remember Paul (2 Timothy 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:11) who often tells his audience that he is praying for them. There is a lesson to be learned here - next time we have that conversation, get in contact with the person.
We have so many ways to communicate in this digital age, and a simple word of encouragement via text message, a pat on the shoulder and a smile on the way out from church, a morning coffee with them, an email telling them that you are praying for them, a quick phone call or even the 'old-fashion' card left in the pigeon hole in the church foyer. This might take 10 min out of your busy schedule, but its amazing the lift that you will give someone. Those that have not been blessed often know others think of them, but please remember to 'weep with them too.'
This is not a public broadcast to pat us on the back or take us out for coffee. But rather, look around you, and identify those that are struggling with their allotment in life, and pray with them and for them. I am married to the most reliant, beautiful, faithful, patient and understanding wife ever. I have a house, and great families. But remember those that have not been blessed with a marriage partner, those that are married but not experienced the joy of parenthood, or those that have been blessed with 1 child but no more, or those that have the been blessed with a special child. Consider those that have many children early on in marriage and cannot remember to joy of husband and wife without children interrupting their precious time, or those with a family that struggle to find time to enjoy life. What about those that have children but have later in life rejected God, those couples that have a child but pass away early in life or those who have lost their marriage partner, either through divorce or death. Bear in mind the infirm, sick, homeless.
... and remember, although God withholds one gift, He blesses them with so many extra other gifts so that they also have soooo many reasons to glorify Him. When we are weak, then we are strong.
