Blessed Assurance

A sister in Christ has been dealing with cancer for years. That "clean bill of health" continues to elude her (for now). To look at her, I don't think you'd ever know. She gets tired or doesn't feel well, but I doubt you'd expect "The Big C." She just doesn't "act" like somebody with cancer (she's been told that). She smiles. She helps others. Her world has not stopped because she has something in her that could be fatal. And let's face it, we all have something in us that could kill us -- a seventy-year old heart, damaged kidneys, a defective gene. Eventually, something will get us all. She doesn't see herself as an inspiration or an anomaly; she is "just living the life she has been given." My sister realizes three things:

1) She is no better or worse off than anyone else. Some people have obvious physical disabilities; some people have mental or emotional impairments. Some people live in financial poverty; some are spiritually empty; some live in impersonal or abusive relationships. What makes one trouble greater than another? If physical existence proves fatal for everyone, why do we stress so greatly over the things that befall one person, but not the problems that befall another?

2) She is safe from the one thing that would do her in eternally. Our bodies will fail; we all know it. But there is only one thing that results in death: sin. Each of us was condemned to death and eternal punishment from the time we were conceived. (I just heard a pastor explain it this way: It's the off-sides rule. One player is off-sides, the whole team is penalized. Adam, the father of the human race, sinned, and we are all condemned. Not to mention our own sin!) Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for that sin. ANYONE who claims that salvation for him/ herself is covered by His selfless act; their debt is paid through Jesus Christ. No condemnation.

3) Her circumstances do not determine the joy of the Lord that lies deeply within her soul. Her joy comes from a clean slate. Quick story -- Another friend gave me a beautiful, colorful apron. I had an apron. It worked just fine. But this precious gift from a dear friend, this brightly adorned treasure worked better. It inspires me to create! It is a constant reminder of her love for me. Each time I tie it on, I am covered in newness and cleanliness. That's just an apron! What does the forgiveness of all our sins do for us? JOY! And a new life -- here on earth and later in heaven. That's what Jesus' resurrection promises. However my sister's life on earth ends, she can't lose! Problems, infirmity, drama, injustice, failure in this life will not rob her of the joy of a clean slate or an eternal life!

Be blessed on this GOOD Friday!