In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, Lillian a Malaysian woman, was facing the most difficult time in her life. One sister was hospitalized for chest pains. Another sister was dealing with a tumor near her brain stem.
But at the center of her grief was her eldest sister who was just diagnosed with end-stage pancreatic cancer a week before the lockdown. Her life expectancy- 4-6 months. No one, not her husband, children, or siblings could be with her during this critical time.
Lillian’s heart was shattered to pieces.
Then there was the burden of her work responsibilities, trying to provide online services for her clients during the lockdown. Stress was building up. “I felt like I was carrying all these burdens- one on top of the other” said Lillian.
Jesus Heals Broken Hearts
Lillian decided to join an online Bible-based trauma healing group called, Healing the Distress of COVID-19. This lesson was designed to help individuals begin to heal from the spiritual and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facilitator took Lillian and many others through Scripture to remind them of God’s nearness during their suffering. That’s when Lillian heard Romans 8:38-39 (CEV):
“I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love-not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present of the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!”
Those words spoke to Lillian! “I immediately felt a large HAND (of God) lifting the multiple burdens that were on my back… My hope arose … I felt the release…”
Lillian was reminded that nothing, absolutely nothing, could separate her from God’s love. He was with her. And he wanted to help her by lifting the heavy burdens of her heart and replacing it with his peace.
Let’s Thank Him:
God, thank you for comforting Lillian and rescuing her from despair. We pray that others around the world suffering from the effects of this global pandemic and other personal struggles will also experience your peace.
