When my health challenges me and causes me to seek medical attention, I must leave my world of God's abundant love and face the fear-filled world. Since I rarely leave my house except to go to church and most of my friends are Christians, it is always a jarring experience to suddenly be surrounded with folks who do not know or believe in Jesus.
It seems doctors, nurses and medical staff love to tell me hopeless news. "You now use invasive ventilation. You need someone with you 24/7. What happens if you get a mucus plug or your ventilator gets disconnected or your ventilator malfunctions? You need someone by your side to assist you or you will die." As much as these folks try to "help" me with my medical situation, I always ignore their comments. I often look into their faces and wonder why they are so fearful. If something happens, God is by my side. He will lead me in the way I should go. If I am to live or die, that is up to Him. "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).
When I try to explain my lack of fear, I am often attacked. "Do you not want to live? Why are you being so difficult? You need to be fearful of getting an infection or getting a mucus plug and dying!" I often sigh and silently talk to God. "Wow, Lord. Is this how the rest of the world thinks? Why are they so full of fear and dread the day of their death? Why are they so hopeless? It makes me so sad that so many folks live this way. I pray for these folks to surrender their lives to You and take comfort in Your presence. I am so glad You will never leave me nor forsake me. I am so happy to be able to rest in You. For You say, 'Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light' (Matthew 11:28-39). Thank You for taking my heavy burden. Thank You for giving me abundant joy and love. Amen."
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18).
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