Preemptive Preparation for Peace

Today I’m sitting in my office staring at a white envelope on my desk. It’s larger than letter size, but smaller than full size. On the front of it is typed these words, ‘Personal Confidential Medical Information’. I sit, and I stare at it for a while; curious as to what it will say when I open it.

I’ve been issued a new life insurance policy and recently had the required medical exam which consisted of a thorough questionnaire and some blood work. I also know my medical records from my family doctor were reviewed by the underwriters of this new policy. The company issued my policy, but only covered me for two-thirds of the requested amount. I received the ‘Standard’ level policy, which is the lowest of three possible levels. Now this envelope containing my private medical information has been delivered through the company’s agent.

I’m a bit nervous to open it. But here goes…

Is it hard to trust God when you’re confronted by the unknown? When things in life change and the future is foggy; when you are getting close to retiring but still need an income; when that relationship falls apart and hangs in doubt; when the sickness comes on and looks to be a long-term roommate. These are the times our faith in God is tested.

I remember when my good buddy Pastor Jim had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He revealed to me later that going into the surgery room that day he found himself scared to death. He described that experience as one of the most difficult times in his walk with God. He said he was not adequately ‘prepared’ to face that crisis. He had not equipped himself before the cancer arrived to be prepared to face the unknowns it brought into his life.

Have you and I prepared our hearts and minds for times of crises? Before it hits, during the peaceful times, are we storing up confidence, strength, and faith in Jesus so that when the storm hits our trust is not shipwrecked? Jim wished he had spent the months prior to the surgery spending extra time in Bible reading, prayer, and drawing closer to Jesus. He felt that if he had, when he walked into the hospital that day, his heart would not have been so afraid.

The point is simple: Jesus tells us to trust Him in all circumstances. The Bible teaches us to be anxious for nothing and to fight our difficulties with prayer and confidence. But if we are not preparing ahead of time then we will find ourselves lacking confidence in Christ when the waters rise. We need to be regularly spending extra time in Bible meditation and prayer so we are armed with peace and confidence in Christ when the relationship falls apart; or when the bills cannot be paid, or the illness strikes, or when your child walks away. The time to prepare for crises is not in the crisis, but before the trial ever hits. Let’s preempt worry, fear, and anxiety by preparing for battle during times of peace. Let’s anticipate the near arrival of hardship and arm our hearts before Mr. Trial ever knocks on the front door.

Let’s carve out extra time this month to be still and dwell on the goodness and mightiness of our God. Let’s ingrain into our minds that His promises are true and His presence is sure. Let’s memorize His word that reminds us we are able to handle anything that comes our way. Let’s burn onto our conscience the truths of how heaven is our home and earth is simply our temporary highway. This way, when hard times come, and they will come, we are already in battle formation and dressed in battle array. Ready to endure anything God allows in our lives.

I open the white envelope on my desk.

It is a copy of the results of my blood work. Cholesterol and triglycerides are a little high. Must be hereditary 🙂 . All else is in normal range. Nothing that a little better diet and more exercise cannot take care of. Praise the Lord nothing serious to report.

But if this piece of paper had had something bad to say, would I have been ready? Is my heart steadfast and has my trust in Jesus prepared me to handle gloom news? This is the real question. This is the real test of my faith.

Well I better hurry home and finish the ice cream in the freezer before I show Ruth this medical report.

I love being your Pastor. See you on Sunday. Pastor Phil