Contentment and Burden-Bearing

My husband was out of state doing some consulting work (and sneaking in a bit of fly fishing) this weekend. I spoke to him Friday evening and, after that, heard nothing for over 24 hours. I tried to call him, but his phone was either out of range of a cell tower or broken. By nature, I am not much of a worrier, but I have to admit my heart was beginning to pound a little harder after we crossed the 24-hours-out-of-touch threshold. I finally called a friend for a reality check and she graciously took on this burden of worry on my behalf. Before I could even process my thoughts, she had contacted the pastors of our church, the highway patrol and local police stations within range of my husbands travel itinerary.

Cynthia, you are the best! I love you and am proud to call you my sister-friend!

After my first of many conversations she and I shared over the course of the following two hours, the Holy Spirit reminded me of some verses in Philippians:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13

No matter what, I knew I could face whatever had happened to my husband. I was truly at peace in my circumstances, right in that moment! I now know my peace was, of course, from God. But it was also a result of my pastors and friends praying immediately for me. At 10:00pm, my husband finally called. He had recieved really bad directions and ended up spending hours on a very remote back road, trying to find his way back to civilization. Why am I sharing this story? Because of Philippians 4:14:

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Yes, God was in control. Whatever happened it would have been OK. Yet, it was so kind of my church family to share my trouble! When you face troubles, reach out to your siblings in Christ. That's what we're here for!