You mourn for your son’s body, and rightly so, for a parent’s heart is full of affection. When Paul cried out, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again,” no mother in childbirth uttered cries so bitter. I do not diminish your grief, but I urge you to strengthen your mind, lest you be dull of hearing what God may teach through this trial. For it is the nature of the weak to be confused by suffering, and what is clear and easy they think hard to comprehend. Yet the Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit. Let that Word discern the thoughts and intents of your heart now.
Do not say the burden of illness is too heavy. Christ Himself says, “Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Fear not, then, when you hear of a yoke. The heat, the inflammation, the struggle for breath, these are not random blows. Perhaps you have prayed many times and seen no change, like a tree struck ten times without falling. But remember, that last successful blow owes its power to all the ones before. Even if you think your prayers unheard, they are working, hidden like a root, to bring down the stronghold of despair. Keep pleading, for we are masters of our will, and if we are willing, nothing is difficult. Virtue becomes as natural as breathing when habit imitates the solidity of nature.
Look to the three children who dared the furnace, knowing for God they suffered all. Or consider Job, who when reproved said, “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Your son’s illness can be that furnace, that vision, if you let it. Do not seek only to remove the inflammation; seek to cleanse the infection of worldly care. For what is more needful, a lung free of phlegm, or a soul free of sin? The former is for a season; the latter for forever.
So let neither you nor your son be slothful. Be watchful and sober. If you think it hard to endure, know that even sleeping and eating are easy when habit is formed. Train your soul now, through this trial, in self-restraint and trust, so that when ease returns you will not transgress. Pray for healing of the body, for God can do it, but with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Let your chief prayer be that both of you may hear His voice, and finding rest for your souls, obtain the undecaying crowns.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
