Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Obeying God when obeying isn’t easy”
Our Bible verse for today: “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “God wants us to demonstrate strong faith in tough times.”
Although it’s a little embarrassing to do so, I feel I have to admit that when I’m sick I tend to be a little bit of a baby. I’ve been blessed by God with pretty good health, and so I seldom get sick. Therefore I’m not used to being sick. And so I tend to get grumpy and whiny when I am sick. I’ve always admired those who can handle sickness – real sickness – with a sunny disposition and strong faith. I’m trying hard to learn how to do that, I really am.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:5 Paul described this very thing for us. In verse 16 he urged us, don’t give up (don’t become discouraged or depressed) because your outer person (your body) is withering away. Because (if you’re a Christian), your inner person is being renewed. In verse 17 he reminds us that whatever affliction we’re suffering from, it’s light and temporary when compared to the eternal glory which awaits us. Then in verse 18 he urges us to therefore focus our attention on that great eternal spiritual truth and not on the temporary physical problem.
In 5:1-6 he notes that as time passes, the body ages and is always moving in the direction of deterioration and ultimately death. But God has something better waiting for us. While the physical body is always in a continual, long and slow process of moving towards the day of death, God has a glorious eternal body for us that will never experience sickness or pain. That’s what our focus needs to be on.
While it’s ok and even good to make others aware of our health issues so they can pray for us and help us, don’t be the person who drones on and on, moaning and groaning about aches and pains and doctors and pills and medical procedures.
We bring glory to God when we handle sickness well. People do notice and they are impressed. Unbelievers especially will be curious to know how you are able to handle such a tough situation so well. What a great opportunity to tell them the reason for the hope that we have! God wants us to demonstrate strong faith in tough times.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 