Dare to Enter In
by Michele Husfelt on July 11, 2022
Susie Larson writes “May you lovingly dare to enter into a suffering that’s not your own for the greater good of the kingdom.” And she wisely adds that we must refuse “blessing guilt,” (that feeling of guilt because someone else is suffering), but instead, embrace a kingdom mindset.
In today’s fallen world, there are many areas of suffering that affect us, even though we don’t personally experience them. Another school shooting recently claimed the precious lives of innocent children and adults. What is our response as Christ-followers, and how can we enter in to share Jesus with those who are grieving great loss?
“What is our response as Christ-followers, and how can we enter in to share Jesus with those who are grieving great loss?”
A friend texted recently to let me know she’s been diagnosed with cancer. Obviously, prayer is an integral offering, but my heart yearns for more tangible ways to enter in and sit with my fearful friend. Another friend recently lost her husband, and the grief has put her life on hold.
I live on a military base, and as I write, I’m observing methodical chaos across the street, furniture and boxes lining the driveway being loaded into a moving van. People here are constantly moving. Typically bittersweet, the emotions usually sway from excitement to fear and anxiety. Heading down the highway to a new location includes leaving friends and familiarity behind and coming to terms with loneliness and loss. What are practical ways I can bring hope and comfort, I wonder?
Racial tension still permeates the news and some neighborhoods. Yes, we see progress and yes, there’s much to celebrate, but we understand there is still more work to do. How can I come alongside those suffering and really make a difference?
There are people living on the streets, children bouncing from one foster home to another, elderly and single neighbors who are living alone, and lonely. Many suffer from mental illness and the societal stigma of being misunderstood.
Suffering runs rampant in our broken world. And while I cannot change the world (the thought of that responsibility paralyzes me!), I can ask God how I might enter into the suffering of someone He has placed within my sphere of influence. Without unneeded and unwarranted “blessing guilt,” my prayer is that God will prompt me to act on His behalf. Perhaps I can send my friend a playlist and a prayer shawl for her chemo treatments, provide goody bags for my moving neighbors’ children, invite a lonely neighbor for dinner or to a movie, become a child advocate for foster children, bring a meal to someone living on the street or in the woods, and most importantly, take time to sit and listen to the stories of those who are suffering. Everyone has a story and most include suffering. May we bring the love of Jesus as we lovingly dare to enter in.