Were you too busy in 2016 to give the critical gift of one’s presence during a friend’s time of adversity? I have clear memories of every person who showed up during times of trouble during the last 5 decades of my life in Jesus. I can even remember the food people brought during the MANY funerals Ken and I were hosting. As I pondered this often neglected ministry by so many Christians in a BUSY world, this verse came to my mind:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”.
Proverbs 17:17
I spent some time looking more closely at this proverb and found several nuggets. The word 
friend actually means ‘part of the family’. We as Christians are part of a massive family with so many needs. God forbid we are too busy to be available when a friend, family member is facing a crisis. The verse states that a friend loves at all times; whether one’s friend is in a crisis or finally exiting the crisis.
Then I looked up the word adversity and found the word tightness and opponent. When a crisis arrives it crowds its way into one’s life and the trial feels like an opponent. As I considered a crisis an opponent, I immediately saw the preceding phrase born for. Spiritual siblings are not just related they are “born” for the days of tightness and opposition. I looked at the verb born and found the word “midwife”. As I meditated on the reality that a brother is the MIDWIFE for adversity, I decided to look at the term midwife. We assume it refers to child birth and that is one definition but the second definition for midwife is: “one who assists in or takes part in bringing about a result”. The light came on as I realized that we as Christians have the privilege of assisting our siblings during their time of crisis. Each of us as a Spiritual Midwife can help “bring about the results that God intends”. The Spiritual Midwife’s presence during a time of crisis, gives the one facing the adversity the courage to continue and hope in God’s faithfulness.
“But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus”.
II Corinthians 7:6 (Titus a Spiritual Midwife)
I was just listening to you on the radio and there is such a need in churches everywhere for that older wise couple. I have been searching and praying for a long time. My husband and I are married 21 years and are at a crossroads I believe. Im waiting on the Lord to tell me to move but He May have already. My husband wants to move from pompano beach to Palm Bay. I have been the bread winner if you will most of our marriage. I know the Lord has so much more for us than my job that supports us. I long for a home where I can minister and be a blessing to others. I long for family and community. Even though we’ve live in south Florida a majority of our lives we don’t really have that here.
I believe it’s time to step out in faith and walk in obedience by submitting to my husbands desire to move. There is much more involved than my job because I am a type 1 diabetic and my benefits cover all the supplies that I need…God will provide all my needs according to His riches and glory! I’m not sure why I just unloaded this to you except I heard you were mentoring Christians who are hungry and I am one of those! I also long to be used by God and I know He has so much more for us!
Thank you for listening and words of wisdom would be appreciated! Bless you both for the position you have taken! It’s much needed!
There is much more to our story of course but this is the crossroads we are at.