Days Like Today

Today, like many days in the ministry, was quite busy. There were planning sessions mixed with vision and adjustments, along with fellowship over lunch with two other Pastors who serve in our area. We shared stories of our successes, experiences, and yes even perceived failures. It was a day of accomplishments that has ended with a strong sense of gratitude. My wife and I made a trip to Piedmont Hospital for a visit with a twenty-two-year-old young woman who should be officially added to the liver transplant list tomorrow. I was moved by her tenacity, her smile and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Though her skin may have a touch of jaundice, and her eyes appear weary from the pain of infection that has attacked her body, she smiles and presses on. She reminded me that we are never alone. In all our trial and tribulations, just as in our best days, Jesus is always with us. Throughout all these years of serving the Lord, I have found there will be days that end great, but there will be plenty that will not. Is God weak? Does He not care about our struggles? James said,

James 1:2-4 TLB2 Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, 3 for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

It is days like today that remind me of what true success is. Trusting Jesus Christ through each season of life is a priceless opportunity. There will be times that we will feel as if we are calling from the roadside like blind Bartimaeus or pressing through the crowd to touch just the hymn of His garment, as the lady with the issue of blood. There will come seasons of trusting His promise, like that of the widow woman who fed the prophet first. If I could encourage you in something, It would be this, Know that God hears, sees and cares about what you are facing. He will meet your need if you will just trust Him.

Matthew 6:33

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?