Those who are well have no need of a physician...

Jesus said that those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  This is a sick, sick community.

I am working in the office a few hours each week and just a few days ago I got to hear the stories of different families as we separated leases that needed to be flagged for renewal.

This Cuban woman hears voices and is deeply troubled, this Iraqi man suffers greatly from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after being in combat in Iraq, this Karen woman is beginning the divorce proceedings and her alcoholic husband may turn violent, this Kareni family is entirely illiterate and the father died 2 months ago and the husband died last month.  They can't pay their rent and have no idea how to get out of this hole.  This family .... the stories continued.... I got numb and stopped taking notes.  The need is overwhelming.  The need is pressing.  The need can only be met by my God.

I have a greater love for the Jesus of the Gospels now than ever before.  I have greater confidence in His presence than ever before.  I always heard people say "God is with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you" as a comforting word in times of need.  But more and more I am seeing that verse not as how it can benefit me... but as the power and divinity that is crucial to tackling this monstrous task ahead.  It is a simple realization, but astounding in this season.

Desperate and passionate prayers are needed for the people here.  There are over 100 families living in this complex, all from war-torn countries, and all with pasts that few of us can fathom.  God knows, He has been there with them, and He is waiting on the other side to be their Physician.  Oh Lord let it be.