Wow, how priorities change!

Have you ever found yourself stressed?  Down, worried and fretting over money, things, or people?  Not enjoying the day, the moment that God has given you?  We all have cares and worries in life, but do you let them rob you of your joy?  Your peace?  We can find such peace when we realize that God really is in control.  There are no surprises with God.   He knew about our current situation before we were born.  He knows our future.  That should bring comfort in a world rocked with uncertainty.  God cares for you.

Sometimes in your journey of life you realize that you are not in control and God is.  This reality came to me three years ago when I came face to face with a possible terminal illness diagnosis.  At that moment, my day-to-day “stresses,” including money, faded into the background.  Everything that really was important could be taken from me – or should I say Me taken from them.  Isn’t it life – when things are going smoothly, we sometimes forget to lean on God?  But when difficulties come, we find ourselves begging and pleading with God?

It was a typical summer day, my family and I were getting ready for our annual church camp when I discovered a hard lump in my breast.  I was scared.  I immediately went to my physician, who I thought was going to assure me it was OK.  During the visit, he told me he was scheduling me to visit a specialist ASAP.  At that moment, I realized my mortality and the definite reality of eternity.  Wow, how priorities change! 

We went to church camp for the weekend, and I received the phone call Monday that I was to see the specialist the next morning.  This lump was real – my husband, my mom, my physician, my sister (a registered nurse) and myself had all felt it.  My husband, David, and two of my children went to the appointment with me.  I sat there with women of all ages, some obviously going through treatment – and I prayed.  I felt God’s presence and peace.  I had the test and the specialist, after reading the report, said, “Nothing’s there – everything is normal.”  He couldn’t explain why, but I knew.  God was in control!  My family had been so upset with the news.  The day before, I remember my Uncle Tony crying out to God on my behalf.  However, what I didn’t know was what had happened at church camp the night before.

My mom wasn’t feeling well and was not planning to go to the evening service.  My dad went on to church.  But mom said she felt very strongly that she needed to go.  She decided to get ready and slip into the back of church, although she didn’t feel like it.  At the end of the service, the evangelist beckoned those who needed prayer to come to the front.  Several people went, and then he said for anyone who wanted to come and be prayed for in someone’s place to come down.  Mom said she felt a strong urgency to go an be prayed for – for me.  The whole crowd prayed for me and believed that I would be OK.  Coincidence?  No, I know that God wanted to heal me, mom obeyed, and I praise Him for that.

When I called the church camp to share the news of my results, my dad answered the phone and – he could hardly speak.  Everyone was so excited, rejoicing, and thankful!  Why do we not trust Him?  He says in His word that as parents, we like to give good gifts to our children.  Think how much more He wants to do for us!  (Matthew 7:11)

 In these times that are laden with uncertainty, remember who is in control and who gives the gift of life and salvation everyday.  Fret not, cast your worries on Him.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!