My dear friends
15 February? That rings a bell.
On this date last year thousands joined in special prayer
for me. The international effort was initiated and coordinated by two dear brothers,
Harald Thiede and Johannes Wunderlich. To this day, your act of love and faith warms my
heart. Thank you and God bless you.
As Harald recently pointed out the fact is that everyday
someone somewhere is praying for me. What a privilege!
Today I was reminded of a strange question, "Does Jesus
care?"
Does Jesus care that it is the fifth year now that I have
been walking in the valley of the shadow of death?
Does Jesus care that natural functions of the body are failing?
Does Jesus care that I can no longer speak or sing?
Does Jesus care that my fixed address is the bedroom bed?
Does Jesus care that thousands prayed for me on 15 February 2004?
Does Jesus care that young and old plead for my life everyday?
These questions, and more, came up as I pondered on a moving
song by Frank Graeff, "Does Jesus care?"
Frank Graeff went through a very difficult period in his
life that left him despondent, in doubt and in physical pain. In that dark period he
turned to God's Word in 1 Peter 5:7,
"Cast all your anxiety on him because
he cares for you."
The affirmation that "He cares for you" comforted
him greatly. Thereafter He wrote "Does Jesus care?"
"Does Jesus care when my heart is
pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and
failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain
Does Jesus care when I’ve said
“goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain
Yes my dear friends, He does care! Otherwise how would I
have survived these impossible years?
On 11 May 2004 when my lung collapsed and I fell unconscious
at Entabeni Hospital the doctor in the Intensive Care Unit prepared my wife and support
team for the worst. He encouraged my wife to phone the family and friends.
It was towards midnight. Darkness covered the earth. Tears
flowed freely. Sighs and loud cries were directed to our Lord.
Did He care?
A resounding 'Yes'!
He pulled me through.
Have a blessed week.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
