Dear Foothills Family,

Our beloved friend Randy Bailey has recently undergone surgery and is currently experiencing a time of challenging and painful rehabilitation. He has written this message from his heart in the hopes that it will bring encouragement to all of us and particularly to any in our congregation who are facing trials and challenges at the present time. Thanks Randy for sharing your heart and your journey of healing and faith with us!

Randy writes…

Since I’ve been out-of-commission after the surgery my thoughts have been on the suffering of others. Unable to do really basic life functions without help has really affected how I look at the world. Here’s my thoughts for an inspirational related to my experience:

As Seventh-day Adventists, we are called to live our lives guided by the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ. And when it comes to understanding the reality of pain and suffering in the world, there are few more powerful lessons than those found in the stories of the scriptures.

In the book of Luke, we read the parable of the Good Samaritan, in which Jesus teaches us about the importance of compassion and empathy, and the duty we have to care for those who are suffering. The story tells of a man who was beaten and left for dead by the side of the road, and of two religious leaders who passed him by without stopping to help. It was only the Good Samaritan, a man from a despised ethnic group, who showed compassion and stopped to care for the injured man.

This parable reminds us that it is easy to avoid seeing the pain and suffering of others, especially when it doesn't directly affect us. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to do more than simply walk by those in need. We are called to show compassion and to offer a helping hand, just as the Good Samaritan did.

Similarly, in the book of James, we read that "religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" James 1:27. This passage reminds us that showing compassion to those in need is not just a nice thing to do, but it is an essential aspect of our faith.

However, it's not just enough to know about compassion and empathy. We must put these principles into practice, especially when we ourselves are faced with our own struggles and hardships. When we are suddenly unable to function without the assistance of others, we are forced to rely on the support of others and the power of God.

In these moments, we can turn to the example of Job, who suffered greatly but remained faithful to God, trusting in His love and compassion even in the darkest of times. And we can find comfort in the words of the psalmist, who wrote, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18.

It is also important to recognize that God may have a purpose in our suffering, using it to draw us closer to Him and to help us better understand the needs of others. As the apostle Paul wrote, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28.

So when we are faced with our own struggles and hardships, let us not lose heart, but let us trust in the love and compassion of God. And let us be inspired to show the same love and compassion to those around us, offering a helping hand to those in need, and shining the hope and light of Christ to all those who are suffering.

In conclusion, as Seventh-day Adventists, let us not be afraid to reach out to others in need, and to seek the comfort and support of God in our own struggles. Let us remember that we are never alone, and that God desires to bring healing and hope to all who call upon His name. And let us be inspired to live out our faith in a way that brings hope and comfort to all those around us, and that reflects the love and compassion of our awesome, powerful God.

Randy Bailey

Looking for to Sabbath as we continue our series on Spiritual Gifts as we look the gift of Leadership. 

Hope to see you there!

Your Pastor,

 Duff