He Considers Our Pains

“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:4, NAS.

While reading in Philippians I came across the story of Paul commending Timothy and Epaphroditus to the church in Philippi. Paul said Epaphroditus had risked his life to come to help him share the Gospel, and, as a result, he had become very ill, even to the point of death. Paul said, “Hold such men in high regard (Ephesians 2:29)” because they risk their lives for the Gospel. It seemed clear from this story that Christians are to hold those who risk their lives and health for the Gospel in high regard. The interesting thing is that Paul was specifically referring to risking sickness as making a person worthy of honor. 
 
Immediately I thought of dear colleagues who had to leave the Philippines because both husband and wife had been diagnosed with cancer. I thought of their five children. As missionaries, most of us realize that we are taking a risk by living in Third World circumstances with pollution, tropical heat, poor sanitation and the like. We all have counted the cost and decided to stay because of God’s will that all the nations should hear the Gospel. Regarding this story in scripture, I guess the main thing is that God notices His children who are committed to His will. He regards their decision. He also takes note when they become ill as a result of following Him.

For all the saints who are suffering illness in part because of obedience to God’s will, may you find some comfort in the fact that God regards your commitment and notices your pain. Every honor in the Kingdom is your due, because you have brought glory to God through your obedience even to the point of sickness and death.

Pray that:

Those suffering illness for the sake of the Gospel in the Pacific Rim will realize God’s pleasure and rest in His special provisions for them.

God’s church will highly honor and care for such servants who fall ill in the line of duty.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.