What is it that brings us all together in humanity? Fun and excitement to be sure, but what about pain, suffering, weakness and trials? We need to experience and express all emotions if we are to be human. But all these feelings run deep and so many are not pleasant. How much of any of this can we endure before we need help? There is a friend, “one who sticks closer to us than a brother.”
Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!” John 20:29
Elisha Hoffman lived this sort of life-story in the late 1800’s. He became a Minister and found his heart caring for the down and out. On one occasion, he spoke to a woman in great pain and discouragement. He reminded her to tell Jesus about her problems. All the way home he remembered his words to her. The following Hymn text emerged.
“I must tell Jesus all of my trials
I cannot bear these burdens alone
In my distress He kindly will help me
He ever loves and cares for His own
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus
I cannot bear these burdens alone
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles
He is a kind compassionate friend
If I but ask Him, He will deliver
Make of my troubles, quickly an end
Tempted and tried I need a great Savior
One who can help my burdens to bear
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus
He all my cares and sorrows will share.
O how the world to evil allures me
O how my heart is tempted to sin
I must tell Jesus and He will help me
Over the world, the vict’ry to win.” Elisha Hoffman
“Now as my tears fall, now as my pride fails
I bow before One kindly and true
‘Promise to never leave or forsake me’
These are His words and what He will do.” (this stanza GWH)
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If we follow the example of Christ (obedience to the Father) and the Word of God (immovable rock in times of trial) and the encouragement of Elisha Hoffman, (be a life of ministry to others) we may find more of our burdens lighter and more of our fears relieved.
While helping others, we are never alone. When we “tell Jesus our trials and sorrows”, do not be surprised when He sends us to others whose great need exceeds our own.
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Memorize the following life-giving words and then ask God to help you live them.
Rules for Christian Living Romans 12:9-21 CEV
9 Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.
10 Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself.
11 Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord.
12 Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.
13 Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home.
14 Ask God to bless everyone who mistreats you. Ask him to bless them and not to curse them.
15 When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.
16 Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people.
17 Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others,
18 and do your best to live at peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says,
“I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.”
20 The Scriptures also say,
“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat.
And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.
“When others are happy, be happy with them,
and when they are sad, be sad.” Romans 12:15
Glenn W. Harrell 8-18
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