June 2011 Spill the Beans

 

You Ask It, I'll Answer It  

Question:

I have a question for you. I need some help in ministering to a friend of mine who just found out she has cancer.  She has four children and she is the bread winner for her family, even though she is married.  She told me yesterday she feels like everything is out of her control and she is losing EVERYTHING!  She only has six months to live without treatment or two years at the most with treatment.  How can I minister to her and what can I do or say?  Can you help me?

 

Answer:

I am so sorry.  I've prayed God will give you wisdom as to how to minister to her.  All I know is most people need someone to be a safe listener more than they need someone to be a smart adviser.  Don't feel pressure to have answers or advice.  Just be available to her.  Be the safe place she can cry and vent.  Be the practical support who sees needs before she has a chance to notice them.  Scripture that helps me keep my perspective is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  Perhaps meditating upon that will strengthen you as you minster to her, and if God leads you to share it with her, I pray it will minister peace and hope to her. 

God is our provider.  He will provide you wisdom; He will provide her grace either in healing or in the midst of disease. He will provide for her family. You rest in Him and He will lead you.  Peace to you, sister.  Our Java friends will pray for you and your friend.
 
And now the beans are officially spilled.

 

 

 

Comments

[Donna Tomblin]

Hi Jennifer; I'm a wife, mom, home maker of 59 years. I read a "Spill The Beans" story of a lady asking you question - the question centered around her not "sensing" the Lord's presence. I cannot find the story here on your FB,(wanting to return to it and learn)! Would you repeat your answer? If I'm not wrong,your advice was do not try to sense God's presence. Trusting His promises is foundational - scriptural. Could you explain more or repeat the Question and Answer ?
Desparate for God's truth,
Donna Tomblin

Response from Jennifer:
Donna...here is a link to the question that you are referring to: http://jennroth.typepad.com/journal/2011/05/april-2011-spill-the-beans.html.

[Amy]

Hi Jennifer,
Just some thoughts on the person who wrote in about how to minister to her friend who has cancer. I am currently battling breast cancer. I think that the most important thing that a person can do is to be there for you through personal contact. Invite the family to dinner, call on the phone regularly, invite her for coffee,

Offer to watch the kids or take the kids somewhere and continue to pray for them. For me, it seems like I got all this attention at the beginning and now as the months have gone on I do not get much attention anymore and that is the time that you need it the most. It is like when someone dies and than after the funeral people disappear yet that is the most difficult time of adjustment.

Blessings,
Amy