Devotion: Fear & Sickness

Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend Romans 5:3-5

Pastor Sarah shared a beautiful message of hope this weekend, centered on our theme for the week, “Fear and Sickness”. I would encourage you to watch it if you missed it. She touched on what drives our fear of sickness, and reminded us to place our confidence in God’s grace.

I know bad things, especially medical situations, happen to everyone. I know that all people get sick and many will carry horrible, life changing diseases. Some will even die from them. I might die from them. A quote came across my social media feed this week and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. It was in response to the common question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It said, “Bad things happen to everyone. It’s what you do with the bad things that makes you a good person.” 

That quote stuck with me and made me reflect on how I generally react when sickness strikes my friends and family. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past couple of months caring for my dying father, my step-mom who had knee replacement surgery and my husband who shattered his ankle in an accident. I’ll admit there were times I wondered about all the suffering around me. But I stuck to what I thought I knew to be true… that presence was the most important gift I could give to someone who is sick. I’ve seen that multiple times over the years with friends and loved ones. What may seem like a small task, dropping off a meal, giving a ride, doing laundry, or being a safe place where a friend can spew their worst thoughts without being judged can be a lifeline. Sitting, listening and crying with someone is important. Why? Because presence is important. God has taught me that. He has promised to never leave me. 

I believe God stays with me in the dark times and doesn’t abandon me. He weeps when I’m hurt and broken. He pours his unfailing love into me, through the Holy Spirit, so that I can in turn pour love onto others. I don’t know why bad things happen, but I know they do happen. Bad things will happen to my friends and loved ones, and to me. By reacting with love and care I can be an example of God’s grace and hope.

Gracious Father,
Thank you for your promise to never leave us. Draw close and let us feel your love. Fill us with that love so we can pay it forward and pour your love on those who are hurting and scared. Come near to us and take away any doubt of your presence. In your mighty, precious and saving son’s name, Amen.

Written by Julie Anderson

Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridan’s Children’s Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God.
Julie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.