I have a precious friend, named Kim, who I have known for over 22 years. Now, I don’t know if that means she’s old or I am. HA! I met her at a church where I was hired to be the youth director. We became great friends and through the years our relationship went from being one of teacher/student to one of being friends on an equal playing field.
Kim is married with three beautiful children ranging in age from 5 to 12. She has a husband who adores her. Kim is in a battle for her life and she is fighting with such grace and beauty it brings tears to my eyes. She has cancer. Where it started in her body, I do not know, but it is pretty much everywhere now.
I don’t get to see her because we live two states apart, but I keep up with her through her Caringbridge postings. She sends out updates to her family and friends so we can know what is going on and know how to pray for her.
When Kim was in high school, I had the privilege to lead her to the Lord. Now, as I read her postings, I witness her leading so many through her incredible faith and deep love for Jesus.
So, why am I telling you all this? Today, Kim made a simple statement in her posting that should be shared. She was writing about her children and how they worry about Mommy’s health and she said, “They shouldn’t worry so much about the “what if” because that will just rob of the day you do have to be together; no one but God knows what tomorrow may bring.”
We don’t all live with cancer, never knowing which day will be our last, but we all live with troubles…things in our lives that could rob us of the abundant life the Lord intends for us. He tells us in Matthew 6:34, “do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Yet, many of us walk around living in the world of “what if” and we’re missing out on all of the joy the Lord has for us.
Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” It doesn’t say rejoice in the suffering. We are to rejoice in the LORD. Our circumstances should have no influence on our ability and practice of rejoicing in the Lord. When we rejoice in Him, He will carry us through our circumstances.
In a world where people are losing jobs daily, the stock market is beginning to resemble a yo-yo, and health issues abound around every corner, do not look at your circumstances, rather focus on rejoicing in the Lord.