Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Debbie Jorgens.

God will restore you, even if your body has to die first.

The other day I was reminded of a sweet, simple hymn that endeared itself to me years ago: “Have No Fear, Little Flock” (ELW 764). In difficult times or when the world is in chaos, this hymn always brings me comfort and reassurance. The first stanza is an almost literal rendering of Luke 12:32:

Have no fear, little flock; have no fear, little flock,
For the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!

The remaining stanzas were written by Marjorie Jillson, who suffered from multiple lifelong health issues including a severe heart condition and thyroid disease. Jillson died in 2010, but throughout her life she had been sustained by God’s unfailing love:

Have good cheer, little flock; have good cheer, little flock
For the Father will keep you in his love forever;
Have good cheer, little flock!

The author of these words was no stranger to pain. She must also have known fear and doubt. And yet, her response was one of gratitude and faithfulness. Jillson once said, “What I learned from my own illness is that God will restore you, even if your body has to die first.”

Praise the Lord high above; praise the Lord high above,
For he stoops down to heal you, uplift and restore you;
Praise the Lord high above.

A number of years ago my brother-in-law, Ron, was diagnosed with ataxia, a progressive, rare degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects one’s ability to walk, talk, and use their fine motor skills. Although a combination of medication and therapy might help to improve the person’s quality of life, there is no cure for the disease.

Ataxia affects people of all ages, and the onset of symptoms can vary widely, from childhood to late-adulthood. Ron considers himself one of the lucky ones, as his symptoms didn’t begin until he was in his early 70s. For the vast majority of his life he was strong, healthy, and active, and he is grateful to have lived so fully for so many years.

My husband and I saw Ron the other day, and we noticed a definite decline in him since our last visit. He sat at the table with us, propped up in his wheelchair, and although he seemed to track the conversation, Ron said very little. When he did offer a few words, we had to strain to understand him because his speech has become increasingly slurred.

Ron knows that he will not be healed of this disease – not in this life, that is. But he believes that in Christ, we are made new and that one day, even though his body will have to die first, he will be restored. In the meantime, he perseveres and gives thanks for God’s steadfast and loving presence.

Thankful hearts raise to God; thankful hearts raise to God,
For he stays close beside you, in all things works with you;
Thankful hearts raise to God!