Have you ever heard someone say they were feeling “under the weather?” This is an idiom we use today for many common illnesses, a nautical term from the 1800s used by sailors. They would often find comfort below deck when they felt seasick or unwell, taking a moment to escape the elements and recover.
None of us like to be sick, myself included, especially when there is work and ministry to be done. However, most of us feel the physical effects of illness from time to time. The last few weeks have been no different for me. Honestly, it has been frustrating not to be able to do everything I’m used to. I am sure many of you can relate. So please be praying for those who are ill in our church family. I am on the mend and will be back at it next week, God willing.
Yet, when we are ill, we must also retreat “below deck” from the elements and responsibilities we are called to so that we might heal. Yes, this can be difficult, as we often feel compelled to return to the hustle and bustle of life. When I feel physically unwell, I feel discouraged easily, and my mind sometimes drifts to dark places.
Therefore, over the past two weeks, I’ve been reflecting on when Paul wrote to the church in Corinth regarding a persistent infirmity he faced. He states, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he [Jesus] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:8–9 ESV).
Jesus tells Paul His grace is enough to support him through all his afflictions. The same is true for us today. Whether for a day or two or a chronic struggle, God’s grace is more than enough to meet our needs. So when discouragement sets in, run to the Cross of Calvary and worship at the feet of Jesus, knowing He hears us and cares for us. Never forget that God is our healer.
When you come to Him, come boldly. We learn from the letter to the Hebrews, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).