Pray for his health, yes, and do not cease to call upon the Physician of souls and bodies. But mark well what the Lord said to the sisters of Lazarus: “This sickness is not unto death.” They heard that word and yet saw him die, but they were not offended. They still came to Jesus. So you, if his illness returns or the day proves difficult, do not let your faith waver. God often permits hardships that we may learn to cling to Him and not to any mortal arm. The body’s ease is a small thing; the soul’s peace is everything. And that peace is not a truce with the world’s comforts, but the calm of a conscience anchored in Christ. If he returns to work weak in body, let him bear it as a trial that refines, not as a curse. For the fire tests each man’s work: gold and silver endure it; wood and stubble are consumed. Let both of you build with costly stones, patience, meekness, thanksgiving, and not with the straw of murmuring or despair.
As for your complaint before the company, I say to you: be sober and watchful. It is no small matter to stand before those in authority and speak against wrong. Yet do not mistake the spirit of the world’s justice for the peace of God. You seek an end to harsh treatment of the sick, and this is worthy. But examine your heart: is there any root of bitterness, any lust for victory, any desire to see your opponents humbled? If so, those are stubble that the fire will burn. When you speak, let your words be as gold: pure, weighty, and without alloy of wrath. Remember, the peacemakers are called sons of God, not those who merely avoid conflict, but those who, where there is enmity, bring healing at personal cost. It may be that Christ sends not a false peace but a sword that divides truth from falsehood; yet the sword must be wielded by the hand of love, not of spite.
Do not fear that your words will be wasted. How many, after hearing the truth ten times and remaining stone, were afterwards converted at a single word? The seed sown in good soil springs up in due season. Even if the company refuses justice now, the witness of a gentle and honest spirit is never lost before God. He sees what is done in secret. Continually hear these things: that suffering loss for righteousness’ sake is gain, that the Angels of the little ones behold the Father’s face, that a quiet answer turns away wrath. I would not have you silent in the face of evil, but I would have you speak as one who has already died to the world’s praise and blame. If your conscience is clear, the fire of that day will show you built on the Foundation who is Christ. Then, though your earthly cause seem to fail, you yourself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.
Pray without ceasing, but let your prayer be this: not merely that his burden be light and your voice be heard by men, but that in all things God’s will be done and your souls be found blameless at His coming. He who commanded, “Peace be unto you,” is faithful. That peace He leaves with you; His own peace He gives. Do not exchange it for the hollow peace the world bargains for. Let your salutation be not a form of words but a reality of heart, else how can you say “Peace to all” and yet nourish strife within? Go, then, with humility and fortitude. The very day of trial is the day the Lord has made; He will be with those who trust in Him.