Last night I got up and let out a groan as I stood. I had been running a piece of heavy equipment all day on my farm and my back hurt, as did my neuropathy-laden feet, and my shoulder with its torn rotator cuff. When I took my first step, I lost my balance and nearly fell. I went to get a glass of iced tea and I could barely see well enough to find a glass in the dark cupboard. Arghhh . . .
As I hobbled back to the couch, my wife was staring at me with a look of worry and compassion. I sat down and sighed as I told her that I was uncertain about many things in life including how much longer I will live on this earth, but there is one thing of which I’m dead certain, and that is as I increase in age I am not going to get better in the aches and pains department, as a matter of fact, I would get worse as time marched on. I told her I don’t want any sympathy; I don’t want her to feel sorry for me, and I will muscle through whatever infirmities I have and take whatever may come my way in stride.
She looked at me and nonchalantly said, “Well I want sympathy for my ailments”, and we broke out laughing. I promised that I would feel sorry for her. LOL
I have endured many hardships including a plethora of broken bones, epic tragedies, and a multitude of health-related problems through the years, many of which emanated from my drinking and drugging years. In the last 52 years, I have followed Christ and have kept the faith always. I am not among the doubters or the folks who blame God for everything bad that happens in my life. In fact, it is just the opposite; I believe every day that I’m vertical is a gift from God and I’m thankful to Jesus for all things in my life including the bad. I believe there is purpose instilled in all our lives and don’t believe in luck or coincidence. If something bad happens it is for a reason and God may not tell me what it is now or ever. It is His prerogative.
I came across an interesting story that speaks to this subject. I hope you enjoy it:
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt stacked in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off my pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life some of which had been quite difficult, including the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships and tragedies that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else seemed to have such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich colors and bright hues indicative of a fun and easy time in the world fueled by wealth. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare, and empty, and it seemed to me like the angel was binding air.
Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, (the scrutiny of truth). The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. I marveled at the rich lives displayed. At last, it was my turn and my angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn’t had all the earthly fortunes and was not counted among the beautiful people. I had experienced love and laughter in my life, but there had also been a myriad of trials including illness, and death, pain, sorrow, and false accusations that robbed me of my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to just give up and quit, only to turn to God to muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze as I was judged.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.”
That’s what I want to hear at my judgment. If you are experiencing trials today, turn to Jesus Christ, who through His strength enables us to do all things through Him.
James 2:2|
My brethren, count it all joy
when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of
your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect
work that you may be perfect and
complete lacking nothing.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!