5 minute read
Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice
30 // June 2020
by Christina Edwards
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Years ago, a friend I had lost contact with reached out to me. We agreed to regularly pray for each other. My friend shared that she and her husband were praying to conceive. I shared that I’m praying for marriage. Together, we sought after God and His blessings for us. When she had a miscarriage, my heart broke. I wept and cried out to God. When my romantic relationship ended, her heart broke. She was burdened for me. After all, Romans 12:15 tells us to “...weep with those who weep.”
As time went on, things became bittersweet. It seemed like everyone was announcing pregnancies. Not knowing of her loss, a loved one had even asked her to plan a baby shower. I, too, dealt with a similar reality. I was asked to be a bridesmaid. I received invites to other weddings. A close friend even asked me to help plan her wedding. Everyone seemed to be celebrating the one thing I didn’t have.
I quoted Romans 12:15 earlier, but not in its entirety: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Why is it so easy to weep and difficult to rejoice? This seems counterintuitive. Weeping always seems to be in surplus. But I believe there is something to be said for giving all of your celebration, even if you’re running on empty.
I’m reminded of the widow’s mite. We all know the story—the wealthy were giving their offerings to the temple treasury. Many gave great sums of money. Yet Jesus didn’t seem moved by their giving. Instead, He commented on the poor widow’s giving of two coins. He explained: “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44).
I believe this meaning runs deeper than our finances. Jesus calls us to give sacrificially but does not limit us to giving financially. I have found that God also calls us to give out of our poverty in other areas. My friend may not have the healthy pregnancy she believes for at this point, yet she rejoices. She gives her celebration to others and blesses them. She plans those baby showers. She rejoices, even when it is coming from a place of personal loss and heartbreak. Likewise, I may not have that marriage I’m longing for, yet I’m rejoicing with my friends who announce their engagements.
While we’re never told anything more about the widow, I have the faith to believe that God took care of her. I believe she did not go without. I believe her every need was met. While my friend and I do not have the answers to our prayers quite yet, we stand firm, knowing that God will give us everything we need. He takes care of those who sacrifice.
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Product Price – Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight, setup and handling charges may be additional and may vary. Models subject to limited availability. Specifications and programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer
inventory and/or unit specifications. †† As required by Kawasaki, horsepower tested in accordance with SAE J1995 and rated in accordance with SAE J2723 and certified by SAE International. **See your local Cub Cadet Independent Dealer for warranty details. © 2020 Cub Cadet
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