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Seems this year I have a lot to be thankful for. Having gone through my recent ordeal with CT scans and MRI’s and coming out the order side of it healed is an amazingly humbling experience. I didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t because I had so much more faith than everyone else. It wasn’t because I am better than the next person. It is simply due to the good grace of God and the faithful prayers of His people. Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for!
Going through an experience like this has caused me to think long and hard about several things. First of all, I have become acutely aware of how short life is. We really do not know the day or the hour of our death. We must simply be prepared. No wonder the Psalmist asked God, “Teach us to number our days aright.” Or, as the NLT puts it, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life.” (Ps. 90:12) I found myself thinking, If I don’t have long, what will that mean? Will I be bolder for Jesus? Will I live with a sense of purpose, knowing that every day is precious?
Then it occurred to me that my days are already numbered! That is, you and I, from the moment we are born, begin to die. Obviously in the early years we don’t even consider this notion. Everything is focused on growing up and out. But truth be told, unless the Lord returns first, the odds of you and I dying are still 100%! So, maybe the question ought to be, Why am I not bolder for Jesus now? Why don’t I live with a sense of purpose today, knowing that even today is precious?
Second of all, another area that was greatly impacted by my experience has been my relationship with my wife, Lisa. That week of not knowing and fearing the worst, while praying for the best, drew Lisa and me closer than ever before. I feel that if that were all that came out of this experience, it was worth it! I see how deeply I love her and how much I would miss not being with her. The pain of knowing that she would have to go it alone with the kids was tough to deal with. Thank God, that was not to be! I now look forward to many more years together with her, Lord willing.
Third of all, I have become even more convinced that God has more work for me to do. I believe firmly that God’s hand was in this experience from beginning to end. I know there are lessons yet to be gleaned, but this one thing is clear: God is not done with me yet. My hope and prayer is that this experience and the lessons that come from it will not be wasted. As Scripture tells us again and again, it is so often in the times of trial and testing that God sharpens and refines us for further ministry. I look forward to seeing what God does in and through this experience.
Last of all, I saw the beauty of the Body of Christ at its best. Not only was I surrounded both literally and spiritually by the Bailey church family, but I was lifted up in prayer by churches all over this area. Moreover, there were believers praying for me all over the country and even in other parts of the world. That is a humbling experience! Thank you, to all who prayed for me and my family during this time. God heard your prayers, and I am blessed to have been the focus of them for a time. Thank you, for living out what it means to “weep with those who weep.” And, thank you, for knowing what it means to “rejoice with those who rejoice!” As, together, we experienced a miracle of God’s making. Praise God! |
