TGIF
Some of you know that both my godsons recently returned from Germany where they underwent treatment and found healing from Lyme disease.
I’ve been asked frequently what the key was to their recovery.
Everything was critical…the money that needed to be raised, the proper place for treatment found, and so much more…it’s a long list.
After thinking about it for awhile, however, I think the most important factor was that they had an advocate.
Their mother refused to accept the possibility of anything but complete healing for her boys.
She did all the research, fought with all the doctors, and by sheer force of will made it all happen.
She quite literally knew little rest until both were home and well.
There was much help from friends and family, but there was no question who the prime advocate was.
She cared for them more then they even cared for themselves, that they might have the best life possible.
One of the most difficult things about being alone, whether by choice or by loss, is that you usually have no such advocate to lean on.
It is easier in many ways to care for others than for ourselves.
We can grow weary and cease doing for ourselves what is necessary for us to be at our best.
We often long for a strong advocate…
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
(1 John 2:1 ESV)
parakleœtos :one called or sent for to assist another; an advocate, one who pleads the cause of another, 1 Jn. 2:1; genr. one present to render various beneficial service…
Jesus didn’t just die for your sins and call it a day.
He’s seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for you…being your advocate.
Right now.
Constantly.
Tirelessly.
He is always present, always for you.
He cares for you more than you care for yourself…and the proof of that is the Cross.
My weary friends, His care for you did not end there.
You have an advocate… now and forever, no matter the situation.
He will get us home safely and more well than we can imagine.
Remember that…
Make your own application…
Great word. Thank you!
Oh wow. I’m in tears. What a great article. Thank you.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Great message to start the morning.
Never had an advocate like what you describe Jesus as in my life, not in present human form.
I try to be that advocate for others sometimes, but I fail at it, though I would do what you describe that mom doing for my kiddos, I would do whatever it took and wouldn’t blink or grow weary in doing it.
I do feel that Jesus is that advocate, in feel that in my spirit. Always have to one degree or another, even when I’ve been the Prodigal.
Good words Michael! Often I have felt alone and even despised and hated by some people, even fellow believers. This is a great example of what an advocate is and does!
Yes
Thanks for this encouragement Thoughts fight against this.
“You’ve let your advocate down”
“Where is your advocate? There is only silence.”
“What have you done for your advocate after what He’s done for you”
Boy do we need this reminder.
Thank you.
Beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for all the kind words…I hope that it encourages a bit.
The boys mom didn’t advocate for them because of their behavior, but because of relationship.
Thank God that Jesus advocates for us on the same basis…
I’m going to be offline most of the day…pushed it too hard and did myself some damage.
Thankfully, I have an advocate…
Michael, thank you for such an encouraging message. And I am glad to hear the boys are home and well.
Take care of yourself. You have my prayers.
Yes we do have an awesome advocate.Enjoy your birthday today.
Happy Birthday Michael! Get some rest my friend.
PhxP Bucket List: Take a trip to Oreegon, take Michael to dinner and a drink in Grants Pass, fly to the ABQ, attend a service at Dreadly’s and do the same dinner and drink thing, go to an LA Dodgers game with MLD. Thank each of them for putting up with me for many years now and for being good men and good voices in my life and others.
It’s your birthday??!
Hope it’s a good one!
Al, it is blessing my heart to see what you have written the last few days (weeks). God is so faithful. I’m so glad there is a renewed joy and hope in the words you are writing. God bless you.
Thank you so much. I can’t adequately express the perfect timing and order of the words. He is good indeed. Glad He doesn’t punch a time clock. I’d say at this point, I should really consider the OT He’s had to put in for me. Well said sir and again, thank you so much.
Love this, Michael…so glad the boys are home and well.
So glad you have this perspective to share with us.
Thanks Nonnie, as you know it’s been quite a roller-coaster for me, but I can’t help but love Jesus and know that God is there despite all the crap that goes on in church and done by some of its pastors and leaders. We’ll all need grace and mercy, myself very much included. Lots of reasons to not believe, lots of reasons to believe. At the end of the day, the spiritual is not an intellectual exercise, it’s a feeling, a sensing.
Another beauty, Michael.
Thanks, and blessings, and happy birthday!
#19-“At the end of the day, the spiritual is not an intellectual exercise, it’s a feeling, a sensing.” it travels both circuits, i think…
what we cannot do is figure God out… and that is hard to accept for a lot of us, so in the end, yes, i guess we fall back on appreciating Him and what beauty we can see
the wisdom that is being shared here lately on his web-site is a gift to Michael, i think … his labors bearing fruit?
May it have been a God blessed and peaceful day today for Michael
i am blessed by so much of what i read here – thank you, Michael and thanks to your commenters also
Ditto what Nonnie said at #16. When I first came on this blog (a few years back — time flies when you’re having fun) Alex and MLD were both very gracious in welcoming me.
I don’t comment often, but I read here almost every day. I’ve seen changes. Many for the good. Some conflict and questioning is good for the mind as well as the soul, but I like to see people come to peace with their beliefs. Peace seems to be a rare commodity in this day and age.
May the peace of the Lord, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And let me add my heartfelt good wishes to Michael and his family.
A belated happy birthday, Michael!
Thank you, Xenia!
Thank you, J.U.!
I actually rested most of the day, so it was all good. 🙂
“The boys mom didn’t advocate for them because of their behavior, but because of relationship.” That really says it all, doesn’t it?