I have just arrived home after an extended time in hospital due to a massive infection of hip and spine (May 2019) and wish to thank all who held me up with prayer.

My stay meant I was hospitalised for my wedding anniversary, my birthday, Mother’s Day, Easter Services and the Lutheran Women of Western Australia 50 years celebration. However, I was able to attend much of the Saturday’s Convention. For this I was blessed by the many interstate visitors who heard the cry “Go west my friends”. And for the many ladies who rallied around when I was not able to do it, praise to our Creator God, his beloved son Jesus Christ and our comforter Holy Spirit.

So, what can we do when we miss a special anniversary or time in our lives? Turn to God. At times I thought he was so far away when the pain of spasms took over, but he was always there to lift me up and to forgive my weak lack of faith. Our Lord Jesus never left me, and he is also close to people who are suffering physical, mental pain, or loss.

Revelation 21:3b,4: God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain no more, for the former things have passed away.

I stumbled upon this Bible verse and it is a promise that I can cling to, as I very slowly heal with our Lord Jesus, the perfect physician doing it all for us. As he said on Good Friday “it is finished”. He took upon himself all the sins so we can be reconciled to God and live in harmony with all people in this world.

The words of hymn LHS 398 are equally fitting. Especially verses 2, 3 and 4.

2. Lord Jesus, think on me.
With care and woe oppressed;
Let me Thy loving servant be,
And taste Thy promised rest.

3. Lord Jesus, think on me,
Amid the battle’s strife;
In all my pain and misery
Be Thou my health and life.

4. Lord Jesus, think on me,
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity
Point Thou the heavenly way.

Prayer: We give thanks to our Lord God, Jesus Christ who is our strength in the battles we face in this world. Heal the sick, give joy to those who have lost love ones, protect the vulnerable and stay close to those who are drifting away from your loving care. Amen.

About the Author

Roslyn Zadow

I was born in Narrogin, the third daughter of a farming family. I was schooled in Wickepin and attended Narrogin church. When I was eight years old, a missionary from new Guinea showed slides and I felt the calling to become a mission nurse in New Guinea. I trained at Royal Perth Hospital, did midwifery at the women’s in Melbourne and studied child health back in Western Australia, then worked in New Guinea for 2 ½ years. Married with four children and seven grandchildren, I worked for 25 years in maternal and child health and for ten years as parish nurse. I Love the Lord. He saves me.