Do not mortals have hard service on earth? Are not their days like those of hired labourers? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired labourer waiting to be paid, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.
Reflection
Do you know the story of Job? The previous six chapters describe how God allowed Satan to test his faithful servant Job, by depriving him of his health, his future and all his possessions in not much more than a single day. The day I was diagnosed with MND I knew how Job felt. Read the rest of the book to understand the anguish of such a day. I echoed Job: Why me! Three friends of Job are convinced he has brought it upon himself because of his wrongdoing. Fast forward more than 2500 years, with the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus and knowing the Holy Spirit I knew this diagnosis was not related to any of my actions. Despite his affliction and loss Job continues to trust God. But in doing so he realises how little he understands about his God. After much prayer his faithfulness is rewarded as God reveals his purpose and Job is again blessed. Few MND sufferers or carers seem to be Christians, so there is no template for how to respond or what to pray. Few Christians have experience of ministry with MND sufferers.
Suffering can be a lonely road, even when you are surrounded by loving family, are part of a Christian fellowship and have practical support. Understanding God’s purpose and future for you whilst you are suffering requires trust in God, prayer and openness to be led by the Spirit.
Prayer
Gracious God, when I turn away from my own problems, I feel sorrow for others’ suffering which gnaws at live’s edges wearing people down with sadness and despair. Be with all who live with pain, and who feel left by the side of life’s road. Embrace them until they know they are loved by you. Fill my heart with the same compassion; give me eyes to see how I can lovingly be a part of their healing. Amen
Today’s writer
Allen Creedy is a member of Jesmond URC living with Motor Neuron Disease
