A Sick Friend

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:1-7

Cole sat on the porch steps, his chin propped up in his hand. All he could think about was his friend Titus. How can he be so sick that doctors say he might not get well again? Cole wondered. Just a few days ago, we were skateboarding together!

The screen door opened, and Cole’s mom brought out a glass of lemonade. “I thought you might be thirsty,” she said.

Cole took the glass and drank the lemonade without even noticing how good it was. “Mom, why do people have to get sick and…and die?”

“Well, sickness and death are a result of sin entering the world,” Mom said. “Death will come to all of us sooner or later. And while it’s heartbreaking to see someone as young as Titus face a serious illness like this, remember that Jesus offers hope. He conquered death when He died on the cross so we could be resurrected one day like He was.” She gave Cole a hug. “And He cares about Titus.”

“I’m going to pray for Titus to get well again,” said Cole. “Is that okay?”

Mom nodded. “We’ll all pray for him. Let’s pray Jesus will give him and his family comfort and peace, and that they’ll be able to trust God no matter what happens.”

A few days later, Mom talked to Titus’s parents. “Titus is feeling a little better, and he’d enjoy some company,” Mom told Cole. “Would you like to go to the hospital to see him?”

Cole hesitated. “But, Mom, what would I say?”

“Well, you could tell him about soccer games, school, or anything you usually talk about,” Mom suggested.

Cole still looked worried. “What if Titus wants to talk about being sick?”

“Then let him do that. Sometimes the kindest thing to do for those facing a difficult situation is to listen and let them talk about how they’re feeling. You don’t have to pretend to understand what Titus is going through, but you can remind him that Jesus understands and loves him very much.”

Cole got his jacket. He was still scared to go, but he wanted to see his friend. Jesus, please help me know what to say to Titus when I get there, he prayed. Help me remind him that he can feel your comfort and peace because he trusts in You.

-Lenora McWhorten

How About You?

Has there been a time when one of your friends or relatives was very sick? When someone you loved died, did you wonder why it happened? Sickness and death are a result of living in a world that’s sinful and broken. They cause sorrow, but Jesus gives comfort to Christians. He promises them an eternal home with Him where there is no sickness or death. By trusting in Jesus, you can have peace even in the most difficult times.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God gives comfort