The Receiving End

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.  Job 2:11

Many, many times I have been out in a waiting room with family while their loved one was rolled back for surgery.  Last week, however, I found myself on the gurney being wheeled through the other doors.  While my time in the surgery waiting should have been rather brief, it ended up being quite extended.  It was so long I could hear the nurses talking about me around the curtain.  “Does anybody know what’s up with the guy in bed one?”  One by one the nurses came by to assure me I was not forgotten, but I could tell from their expressions they weren’t all that assured.  All the time, I knew that just on the other side of one of the walls there were a number of people unaware of my predicament and thinking I was already underway with my surgery.  Yet, I could tell them nothing to let them know of my situation.

As I considered all of this I became aware of the fact that I was now on the receiving end of what I have done probably thousands of times.  I was so grateful to know of those who had taken time to come and the great numbers who had shared their desire but recognized there would be too many if they came.  The prayers of all of those I knew were lifting me up to God filled my heart and mind.  I was so blessed.

On the other side of that wall I knew that all were trying to distract each other and pass the time.  After half-an-hour on that gurney I wanted to be with them.  After an hour I was trying to figure out how to wheel myself out the door to the comfort of my wife and friends!  

It was then I thought of Job’s friends.  How they have been beat up for their comments!  It seemed they said all the wrong things.  But we may have overlooked a very important fact...they cared about him and came to him.  So many have called, written, texted, and cared in so many ways I cannot begin to say thanks to all.  Yes, friends do make a difference when you are in need.

Lying on that gurney I was so blessed to think of all who were with me in prayer and heart.  The ones around the corner were actually no closer than those at home, for it was the prayers that bound us together.  I learned so much just being on the receiving end.  And to know now that I get to do it all over again! 

So, next time you read Job realize that, even though you may say the wrong thing or not know what to say, it feels god to have someone who cares with you when you hurt.

Scripture to Claim
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.  2 Corinthians 1:2-7