My dear friend’s sister, Jenn, struggles with addiction. The disease torments this poor woman day and night. Continually, my friend, Barb, lifts her sister up in heartfelt prayer, begging Our Lord to be with Jenn, granting her the courage and strength to fight for her sobriety. Considering that it has been a particularly long and difficult battle lately, my friend feels helpless. Her heart aches for her sister. Constantly turning to God, Barb often feels drained in her efforts to support Jenn, yet persisting in prayer, she repeatedly lays her sister at the Lord’s feet. Her faith stands firm.
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1(NAB).
While in meditation last week, the Lord graciously revealed to Barb that Jesus sees Jenn. With His eyes, He perceives her and is moved to deep emotion at the sight of her. Our Lord takes Jenn for His own. Although He has entrusted the care of her own body and soul to Jenn, He walks with her, right next to her, hand in hand. Her hand is a tender important part of her that He takes gently in His hand, guiding her and leading her on her way. Jesus is always near, never straying, always watching and attentive. The Book of Joshua establishes this same fidelity. “I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NAB)
Continuing to console my friend’s heart, God assured Barb that He has the power to cure the sick, healing and making them whole. Our Lord can remove Jenn’s addiction. He went on to show her that Jenn’s name is written in heaven, just as so many who are well. A peace settled on my friend. The Lord, in His great mercy and wisdom, empowered Barb to recall that He can do all things.
Call to Act: I invite you to hold onto hope and ask for what feels impossible, because with God, the impossible is possible. God always can. He holds total power. He is bigger than all things. Ask the Lord to open your heart to witness His strength and the magnanimity He offers you, as you walk the journey that He created for you and those you love.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot;…” Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NAB)
St. Philomena, St. Dymphna and St. Jude, pray for us that we may lay our seemingly impossible intentions before the Lord, wholeheartedly believing that He is the Master of all. Beg Him to heal those who are sick and give strength to those who love and care for them. Ask the Lord to tenderly receive our intentions, instilling faith, hope, and charity in our hearts as we walk the journey with our burdened loved ones. We ask this in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
After fervently praying for my own sister and her unborn baby as she battled her addiction, the Lord offered me consolation with this image sent by my sister. An ultrasound photo of my niece in her womb, appearing to be cradled in a hand with a heart enclosing my niece. I was certain she was safe.