In a preceding post I related the story about my experience with a severe neurological disease and my eventual recovery.  Unfortunately, not everyone is so fortunate.  Some people are healed, others are not.  The prayers of the faithful are always a great comfort to those who suffer, but prayers do not always result in healing.  Mature Christians recognize this fact, and they do not shake their fist at God when their health fails or a loved one is lost.  They take comfort in their knowledge that the soul survives, and with Job they cry out, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

When I was very ill, and hope for recovery was at low ebb, my pastor and dear friend Bishop Daniel Cox sent me the following prayer.  Along with his love and concern, these words were a great comfort to me.