Many of you know brother Rafael Moreno, who is a faithful member of the church on Tenth St. in NYC. For many years Rafael published email newsletters entitled “Encouragingly Yours.” And they were encouraging — which is especially noteworthy because they were written in the midst of dealing with his difficult health issues.
Rafael recently sent me a poem he wrote, suggesting I might post it. So here it is, as he sent it, including the remark and Scripture at the end. As we read the poem and Scripture, let’s pray for our dear brother, and also let’s examine our own attitudes in our times of physical suffering.
Grace to Endure
I’m not feeling too well
And for healing I’ve prayed
I’m anticipating the answer
but His answer’s delayed
Sometimes I admit that
I feel some frustration,
But know I must trust in Him
In every situation
On the way to my doctor
I’m inspired to write
I’ve a thought in my brain
Regarding my plight
Sometimes when we pray
Sometimes God cures
Sometimes He doesn’t
But He gives grace to endure
Yes, He gives grace to endure,
And strength not our own;
It’s so utterly amazing
To feel weak, yet so strong
The Lord hasn’t healed me
But I trust His grace
He gives strength and courage
For what I have to face
On my own I’m so helpless
But through Him I am strong
My Lord and His grace
Help me to keep keeping on
Here on this earth
And one day in glory
I will lift up my voice
As I tell my story
The Lord saved me from sin
Through His death on the cross
He gave up His life
So that I won’t be lost
He’ll never forsake me
Through all of my trials
He puts a song in my heart
That won’t go out of style
I thank my dear Savior
I praise Him for sure
For His precious promises
And the grace to endure
* Written on the way to my cancer doctor 4/5/2022. To God be the glory!
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, “MY GRACE is SUFFICIENT for YOU, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, THEN I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NKJV