I'm not talking about "the tribulation" like the book of Revelation.
I'm talking about when tragedy hits and your whole world stops. Maybe it's a diagnosis that is not optimistic. Or a family member that has passed. Or possibly a job lost and no money coming in to pay the bills. What do we, as brothers and sisters in Christ do in these situations?
Until a few years ago, if asked this question, I would have given some generic response.
"Pray for them of course! Maybe bring them meals. Send them a letter."
When my family experienced our own trial, I learned the true purpose of the Body in times like that. Let me take you to a short but life changing conversation between my Dad and I during our trial:
*Setting* In the car after spending an all-nighter in the ICU. We were going home to shower and change and head back to the hospital.
Dad: Why don't you just close your eyes. Rest a little when you get home.
Me: But I have to pray! I can't waste a minute....I don't even know what to say if I pray. I'm so tired.
Dad: You need to rest a little. You're exhausted. There are so many people praying right now. The whole church is praying. That's what the body does. It carries the load for one another.
I realized something. Until that moment, I didn't know that circumstances could rob you of the energy to even get out words of prayer. I didn't realize THAT was purpose of the Body at times. When the world stops for a few, the rest of the body carries them and sustains their needs spiritually.
If it had not been for those who held us up in prayer when our world came to a screeching halt for 3 days, I don't think I would have survived. I could feel the prayers. I could feel the peace in a place where peace did not exist.
How many times do we tell a friend on Facebook or in a text "praying!" when they ask for it, but we forget to actually take their need to God? I know I have done it a lot! We mean well, but life get's in the way. What would happen if we stopped what we were doing right then and took their need to God immediately? Let's find out.
So next time someone has a need, even though it may not be our world that is crashing down, someone's world is. Your prayer may be what carries them.