"What Do You Say?"

Are you troubled? I know we have all been through difficulties and battles in our lives. What do you say to someone who is going through a difficult time in their life? Have you been in a situation and wondered what to say when their heart was aching?

Several years ago I was asked to travel with a preacher to visit a gentleman in the hospital. I did not know the fellow in the hospital but went along because I was asked. The fellow was facing serious surgery the following day and upon our entering the room, you could see the concern on his face. A few moments went by after the introductions and silence fell on the room. The preacher had no clue what to do and the fellow in bed had small tears flowing down his cheeks. Out of nowhere came these words from the preacher: "A few years ago I had an uncle who faced a similar surgery and he died!" Before anything else was spoken and me trying to get my mouth closed from dropping open at such a statement, the heavy-laden fellow burst into crying. Upon our leaving the hospital that day, I asked the preacher why would he say such? He told me he had the rest of the story to tell but with all the commotion and reactions, he never got to finish! Needless to say from that day, I never visited anyone with him again. People have no clue what they are saying or what to say in times of difficulty!

When people have heavy hearts, we need to know what to say. Where do you begin? Troubled people need more than just some sympathetic words. They need help and hope. Let's learn something from the Bible. Peter writes to Jewish Christian's in trouble. These Christian people had been scattered, rejected by society and are facing difficult days ahead. What does Peter say to such? He tells them who they are (I Pet. 1:1-9)!!! They are the chosen of God and are the people that God did not reject! Peter doesn't deny their troubles. Read the letter. But in reaching out to them he reminded them (and us) who they are! Can you imagine them sitting, listening while this letter is read out-loud? They are being comforted by the very presence of God and that relationship they have. That is something that rejection, hurt and disappoint can never take away from the heart of those of faith!

How should we speak to those in Christ throughout the world that are struggling? What about those places that are small, with few brothers and sisters, fighting day in and out to maintain righteousness? What about those in foreign places trying to teach and suffering for their teaching (something we know nothing of)? And those that are closer to us that we speak with and see weekly but have to carry a major burden, would this not be what they need to hear? But what about someone who doesn't know Christ? Silence can be golden! Never forget people are troubled and we can't expect them to act like they don't have troubles but should we not speak to them who they are?