A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty

by Joni Eareckson Tada

Just recently, as I was reading in Matthew 25, the following little paraphrase took shape in my mind. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was discouraged, and you gave Me a smile of encouragement and a kind word.… I was grieving and you sent Me a note and bouquet of spring flowers.… I was confused and anxious, and you took me to Starbucks and gave me your counsel over a caramel macchiato.… I was lonely, and you took Me out to lunch at IHOP.… I was frightened about preparing my taxes, but you showed Me what to do and where to go.… I was a child who wanted to get out of the city and go to Bible camp, and you paid My way.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see You discouraged and speak kindly to You? When did we send You flowers or take You to Starbucks or buy You lunch? When did we help you with Your taxes or pay Your way to Bible camp?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”