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Larry and I have two friends, both named Jim, who are fighting for their lives in their battles with cancer. Within days of each of their diagnosis, we talked to their wives and both women said, “The Lord knows.” We were encouraged to hear of their faith and trust. Through those three words, these two wives were saying, “God knows what’s going on and He will do whatever He knows is best.”
As I heard their statements, I thought of Exodus 3:7-8a: “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. And I have come down to deliver them…” (Amplified Bible)
The context is that the Israelites are being abused by the Egyptians and He has chosen Moses to be His vessel for delivering them. God’s compassion has been aroused because He is involved in their lives and feels their pain with them. And out of that motivation, He will come down to deliver them.
I don’t know God’s plans for our two friends but I do know God has seen and heard their plight and as a result He knows and is with them. One way or another He is going to deliver them–either on this earth or into heaven. Just knowing God sees, hears, and knows can be encouraging for all of us.
I felt that powerfully in my life years ago when I had driven to a city where my son’s band was performing. It also happened to be the city where my husband worked as a police officer. I parked my car in a parking lot near the stadium where the band competition was going on. Hours later after the competition was over in the late evening, I walked to the parking lot but couldn’t find my car. At first I thought I’d forgotten where it was and I wandered around in the cold. But finally it dawned on me that the place where I’d parked it was empty–with only shattered glass to indicate that it had been stolen. I looked around in fear, not knowing what to do. This was in the days before cell phones and I felt helpless and alone. I’d never experienced any crime before and I was shocked at my reaction. I felt violated and confused. I couldn’t think straight.
As I wandered around, I finally found a pay telephone and called 911, explaining to the dispatcher what had happened and asking whether my husband had left for home. She said he had but she then said, “You’re at a pay phone at ….” and she named the intersection where I was. “Just stay there; I’m sending over a police officer immediately and I’ll call Larry on his car radio.”
I can’t tell you the peace that flooded over me. It almost brings me to tears right now thinking of that peace. She knows where I am! She is sending help! I’m not alone. Someone knows and cares. I’m going to be protected and taken care of.
As I looked out at the darkness surrounding the telephone booth, I felt renewed courage.
That experience pales in the face of what our two friends are experiencing. But any of us at any time can lacking courage or feel frightened or uncertain. Let me assure you that God sees where you are. God hears your cry. God knows what you’re going through. And God will deliver you. He is already with you and knows His plans for you–for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Please pray for God’s healing hand upon our friends, the two Jims. They love the Lord and we long to continue to experience life with them.