Obviously I didn’t pick this verse because I have attained it. But in these really hard times, these simple words give those of us who name Christ as Lord a direction, like a really solid direction.
The life I live …
My life is composed of a lot of stuff or so I thought. Probably a lot of us thought church was way up there. I mean if God is number one in our lives, His Son Christ our Savior, His Holy Spirit our comforter and guide … well… church. Churches are closed. Fellowship - looks a little different.
Family - that’s my heart (sometimes my downfall) - definitely top of the list stuff. Gathering together with family is a little difficult at the moment. I am actually alone in the north woods.
This morning I was writing and thinking through a list of “important” stuff in my life, trying to decide what to do. Our family has lately had some pretty significant challenges. I bet yours has too. Oh we aren’t facing the same circumstances exactly, but everybody is facing hardships of some type. How to proceed?
So after I did my scribbling, I looked back at Galatians (I have a young friend who challenged me to read it - she’s always on to something). And there buried in the text this little line jumped out: The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Well exit stuff - Covid - sickness - money, even the big stuff - family - fellowship.
This life I live in the body, I don’t live by health, or friendships, or even family. This life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God. I don’t live a life in the body devoid of sorrow and suffering. At the moment I have about 100 things going wrong, things that I fear, things I can’t control, loved ones suffering that I can’t help. But those aren’t what I made my choice to live by- long ago I decided to accept God’s offer of salvation and so … I live by faith in the Son of God. Some days I do that better than others.
These last few days haven’t been so good. I have some extremely close loved ones who have gotten ill. Since I’m alone so much, I’m feeling pretty useless. There are some things in my life that look like they may not turn out so well.
So this morning the Lord sat me down and had me listen. I live by faith in the Son of God. And why on earth does that sound like a good choice? Especially if I have no guarantees of health, or happiness, no clue if things will get better. Why would I hang my life on the scars of Christ? Who cares about a future resurrection when this life gets so miserable?
This life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Not trusting in a what … health, wealth, circumstances, etc.
Long ago I made a choice to trust in a Who. I believe He is trustworthy and my life is safe in His hands no matter what “stuff” is happening. No matter how serious and threatening the world gets … this Jesus loves me and He gave Himself up for me. The best reason ever to trust.
This life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
with love,
Bev