As a Chaplain, I try not to visit patients too early. I figure most people need one or two cups of coffee before having to look at me!
I arrived around noon at a patient’s house the other day. The lady I came to see was still asleep. Her grandson woke her up and gave her a bottle of coke.
She smiled and said her grandson always brings her a coke in the morning. This was her coffee, she joked.
She began talking about good memories of how she had worked for the Lord, teaching Sunday school. Even though she was just waking up, she radiated the joy of the Lord. We had a great visit.
I prayed and we said our goodbyes. As I was about to open the door to leave, I heard her talking to God.
“Lord, I’m sorry I didn’t say good morning to you when I woke up. I always say good morning to you. I love You Lord.”
This tugged at my heart strings. It reminded me that sometimes get in a hurry, and forget to really pray.
Sure, I say the words, but they don’t sound or feel as heartfelt as “Good morning Lord! I love You.”
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Philippians 1:12-14
Tammy Fay Baker used to sing: “When Life Hands You a Lemon, Start Making Lemonade….”
It would seem that the apostle Paul was handed not just one lemon, but a bushel basket of the sour fruit! Here’s his summary of his sufferings:
“Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
What a list! By comparison, my life and labors for the Lord have been a lot easier.
Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Paul reflected on how God was working through his sufferings.
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Philippians 1:12-14
Jesus told us we would have trials…
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
What are you facing today? Do you feel overwhelmed?
Just remember that God loves you and that He is working in you and through you in the midst of your trials.
Romans 8:28 is still true today!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
