Here’s another letter to Sarah which I hope will deeply encourage you in the soil of your souls! Isn’t it simply wonderful and amazing how Scripture will always accomplish what it’s been sent to do? And that this is a promise from our Good God for all Scripture for all people for all times in all circumstances – thank You, Father God, for always keeping Your promises!
Ephesians 2:1 and 4-7 NIV As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Dearest Sarah,
Have you experienced this yet? The longer all of this with our bodies goes on, the harder all of this with our bodies becomes. For example, a task that used to be simple, easy, and even enjoyable can now be not only exhausting but overwhelming. And now, I can’t even really remember what normal feels like.
The normal of the high I used to get from running, hiking, or completing multiple chores simultaneously to the choir of the washer, drier, dishwasher, vacuum, and me all singing as we worked. Now, most days, it’s a big victory to get dirty clothes in the washing machine and clean ones on me. Much less, to do dishes or dusting, scrubbing or scouring, or any of those other pesky chores screaming my name while I’m lying in the bed.
Yet it hit me this morning while soaking in a hot bath praying for the pain to leave and energy to return, could what’s happening in my body be a picture of what Paul talked about in those verses from Ephesians 2? When I was healthy, I could do (most) anything I set my mind to do. I had an abundance of stubborn arrogance propelling me into making things happen with me and for me. But I was dead in knowing the essence of God’s power at work in me and through me. Because I didn’t know the truth, I didn’t live the truth found in 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV But he 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Isn’t that just glorious? When I can’t, Christ will. There’s no qualifiers or question marks, time limits or tardies, exemptions or exceptions to that truth. His character and His covenants are unchanging, no matter how long the pain persists or how deep the grief goes.
He is never without limit or love.
He is never without help or hope.
He is love.
He is hope.
All of what He has said will happen.
All of what He has promised will come through.
Christ came for me to know Him before I was even known. And I’m learning that knowing Christ and His presence and power goes to all parts of me – mind, soul, and body. Romans 12:1 CSB captures this idea in Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
True worship. That’s what I want to bring my Jesus today, and again tomorrow, and for however many days remain for me here. True worship is putting all of me as that living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, for His glory in whatever or with whomever He’s put in my day. And the only way I have any hope of doing any of this is through the hope found in Christ (see Colossians 1:27). For only His hope opens me up to receiving God’s help for my body, mind, and soul.
I am praying for you with much love today, sweet Sarah.
Your friend,
Beth
Please like and share this letter with others in your life who are experiencing harder days. We are never alone in the suffering. We are always held by our Jesus.
written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2024.
Soul Scientist 
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