For I know that if this earthly tent in which I live is taken down, I have a building in heaven which comes from God, a house not built by human hands but eternal. For in this one I am sighing, because I long to put on, like a robe, my heavenly body, my future home…
“For I know that if this earthly tent in which I live is taken down, I have a building in heaven which comes from God, a house not built by human hands but eternal. For in this one I am sighing, because I long to put on, like a robe, my heavenly body, my future home…So I am always cheerful and confident, although I know that as long as I am at home in the body I am away from home and the Lord” II Cor. 5:1,2,6 (Williams).
I’ve been blessed to be healthy through my life – a few aches and pains but nothing serious. Until cataract surgery this winter, I’ve never been under the knife. All that has changed in the last few months as a health issue arose in my life that necessitated recent surgery. I received the results this week and they are very mixed. There are some positives, but I will undergo more surgery and ongoing treatment – not the news I wanted to hear but that is the news, nonetheless.
One of my friends wisely pointed out that whatever situation we find ourselves in, there are lessons to be learned. God can encounter us in these times if we will be willing to hear from Him. We read the bible with a different mindset when we are needy, or faced with a big decision, or when our heart is full – or when we see holes in our physical tent.
As I have walked this unfamiliar journey the last few months, I am learning some things. Here’s what I have so far:
-None of us are immune. Wealth, power, knowledge, money – none of these things makes us immune to the toll on our physical tent as we move along with life. Eventually, we are all going to die of something. A great reminder that this world is not our ultimate home!
-The health situation assumes the chair. “No, you are not doing that or going there – you are going to do what I tell you to do!” Appointment here, a test there, treatment and follow up – it’s no longer up to me but up to my physical problem! What a great reminder that our control is tenuous at best – how wonderful to know the One who lives in eternity present – for whom there are no surprises and who is in control of my life and destiny.
-It’s humbling to be needy. Instead of praying for others, I am ‘standing in the need of prayer.’ It’s good for me to be humble and realize that’s what the family of God is for.
-I have to trust. I trust the surgeon who attends to my situation – she does what I cannot do. I trust the elders who I have called to anoint me with oil and pray for me – they are my overseers in this local church. I trust the prayers of friends and family – they help carry me in my weakness.
Maybe you are learning lessons from your physical ‘tent’ experience. God has much to say to us through our bodily experience. What lesson would He have for you today?
Pastor Leon Throness
Put the morning of August 10 aside for our second ‘bible book club’ event. We meet in the Coffee connection at 9am before the morning service to share together what we are discovering as we spend time in the Word.
