Jesus, A True Friend

Psalm 119:67 – Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I keep Your word. (NKJV)

Sometimes God has to get our attention — and He got my attention back in 1989. Before that time, I was Christian, but I would have to say I was a nominal Christian. I reluctantly went to church with my family, but I can't say I enjoyed it. Then in 1988, I noticed that the little fingers on both my hands would shake for a few minutes when I went to bed at night. As I had hardly ever been sick all my life, I ignored this slight tremor in my fingers. Then one thing led to another, and towards the end of 1989, at the age of forty, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. To say that this came as a shock is an understatement. But now I can honestly say that it was a blessing, because it has turned me towards Jesus. Since that time, as I have grown weaker physically, I have had to rely on the Lord for strength more and more, and I have found Him to be a wonderful friend and companion.

As I have searched the Scriptures, I have found some wonderful promises that I can claim as my own. When I have tried to understand why this has happened to me, I have read, "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 AMP). At times when I feel so weak from shaking so much that I am driven to tears, the Lord reminds me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

I have found Jesus to be a friend Who not only sticks closer than a brother, but someone who can be trusted right to the very end. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank You for Your unconditional love to us. We thank You that one day You are coming again to take us to live with You, where there will be no pain or suffering. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.