I read the email from our International Director and my stomach hurts. A sickening ache fills my heart. Two missionaries have fallen ill with a devastating virus in West Africa.

For weeks we have been wondering “what if?” as we prayed for our colleagues in Liberia and West Africa. “What if…the very ones sent to heal and help are infected?” “Lord, we prayed, keep them healthy and strong. Let their health be a testimony to Your power and protection…”

And now, I hear the news, cold and shocking. I am driven to my knees. “Lord, what about Your protection, Your power? Didn’t You hear our prayer?”

You answer comes, both gentle and firm: “My grace is sufficient… for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor.12:9)

“But Lord, they have faithfully served You -compelled by Your love…They have given up home and family and friends…”

I hear Your quiet voice:”To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

“But Lord, it seems so hard -so unfair! Can’t You spare Your servants this pain?”

Again, Your words go deep: “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” (2 Cor.1:5) 

Gently You remind me:”He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering…He took up our sicknesses and carried our sorrows…” (Isaiah 53:3a,4a)

I am silent.

Dr. Kent Brantly, left, treats an Ebola patient