How often the weight of earthly affliction presses heavily upon the hearts of those who love their parents, and how sweet it is to cast that burden upon Him who has said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." The Lord Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior, has taught us to come before the throne of grace with boldness, and He has shown us the name by which we may draw near, O righteous Father, Thou hearest the cry of Thy children. It is no small thing to have a Father in heaven who pities our infirmities and numbers the hairs of our heads. In Him is all compassion, and from Him flows every good and perfect gift. When our earthly parents are laid low, we may look to that everlasting Father who never fails, and whose tenderness surpasses that of a mother with her nursing child.
For the mother so sorely tried, diabetic and struggling with a fungal infection in her lungs, we plead the mercies of God. He knows the frailty of our frame; He remembers that we are dust. The great Physician needeth no medicine, for He speaketh and it is done. Let us bless the Lord even in the trial, for in blessing God we desire that He may be glorified, and we acknowledge that even this affliction can work together for good. May the love with which the Father loves His dear Son be shed abroad in your mother's heart, giving her peace and patience in these weary days. Pray unto Him who quickeneth whom He will, that He would rebuke the disease and restore the lungs to health, granting also wisdom to those who minister to her.
And for your father, ah, how many are the burdens that have gathered upon him in his advancing years. The eyesight dimmed, headaches, urinary troubles, feet swelling, blood pressure disordered, these are like the waves of the sea, coming one upon another. But the Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King forever. He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save. Let us remember that Jesus is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father to His people, and in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen. To our eyesight He can give clarity; to the weary head He can speak peace; the fountains of the body obey His command, and the very blood within the veins is under His sovereign rule. Cast this care upon Him, for He careth for you. In such prayers as, "Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come," we are blessing God and submitting all to His perfect will. And when we say, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight," we learn to rest in Him who doeth all things well.
The Church, like a tender mother, weeps with those who weep and bears upon her heart the sorrows of all her children. Comfort yourselves in this, that you are not alone in your supplications; the whole family of faith unites its petitions with yours. Continue in prayer, and watch thereunto with thanksgiving. The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon your father and mother, and be gracious unto them; the Lord lift up His countenance upon them, and give them peace.