The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?
Proverbs 18:14 NKJV
Dr. Kelly Kapic, in a talk on suffering, spoke of the danger that physical pain is to one’s faith. A woman’s spirit is dejected, discouraged, and doubts creep or flood in. Kapic gives the example of Martin Luther, the initiator of the Protestant Reformation, who went through great physical illness and in his letters reveals a deep struggle to maintain his faith. Even spiritual giants like Luther were brought low by poor health. Today’s proverb mentions that a man or woman with a strong spirit will manage to remain at peace during their illness. But a broken spirit may fall to the despair and hopelessness of the disease or pain.
What is the spirit of a woman? It’s her heart—all that makes her who she is, her hopes and joys. How can one make sure it isn’t broken during the fragile stages of suffering? There is no formula except placing one’s hope and trust in the goodness of God. Jesus said that the poor in spirit would inherit the kingdom of heaven. So, a broken spirit that struggles against the brokenness through the power and promises of Jesus has hope. The question from the proverb is answered. Jesus is the only One who can bear a broken spirit. Thus, we must lift our burdens, anger, and pain and the suffering of others to Him.
Jehovah Rapha (God our Healer), sustain my weary heart and body. Strengthen my faith and the faith of others who are going through pain. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2017 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Iemima Ploscariu.