TUESDAY September 17, 2024
Sorrow Upon Sorrow
For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
Philippians 2:27-28
Epaphroditus was a man, beloved among the believers in Philippi. Paul rejoiced that he was sent by the church in Philippi to be with him. He appreciated such a good friend. When Epaphroditus fell sick, Paul, I am sure, prayed for him. His sickness was almost unto death! If he had died, it would have caused Paul sorrow upon sorrow; but God, in His sovereignty, had mercy on Epaphroditus––it was not his time to die.
Paul sent Epaphroditus back to the Philippians after his near-death experience. He had completed his mission, despite his ill health. Imagine, when he arrived, they must have all rejoiced to see him restored––well. They must have also rejoiced with Paul, knowing that his sorrow, too, was eased.
This occasion teaches us something very important. Death comes to a person in God’s time. If we fall ill, and it is not our time to die, then God will restore our health and heal us. He is in complete control. It is not up to us. Know this: No one is guaranteed a long life; some children may die when they are young. We may not always understand why God heals some people and not others, but we need to trust that He knows what is best.
Believers who have died and gone before us are in heaven––eternity. I thank God that they have been permanently healed. They have a new body without any pain or suffering. We do not have to have sorrow upon sorrow, because we have an eternal hope.
God can use a sensitive Christian to be a rich blessing in the life of one who knows pain and sorrow.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
