Perseverance

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed...struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Go Bears!!

OK, not to really spiritualize yesterday, but I must say that Rex Grossman of the Chicago Bears is a good illustration right now. All the sports world has been hearing for the last month or two is how Rex isn't the quarterback to bring Chicago to the Superbowl; bench him and play Brian Griese. He hasn't really helped his case much by having some absolutely terrible games, either. But yesterday, he showed great composure and made big plays when he needed and the Bears are going to the Superbowl.

In life we all get beat up on, disappointed, disappoint others, don't have things go our way, and have things just be difficult. And many times the best thing we can do is "just hang in there". We have to keep doing the things we know are right and fundamental in life and faith (read scripture, pray, serve, show hospitality, love others) and just be patient for God to work everything out.

Life just happens. We aren't promised a life where everything comes up roses, but we are promised that God is in control, will work things out, and he is on our side. So in the midst of health issues, relational struggles, pressure at work, or financial stress, I encourage you to hang in there, do the things you know are right, surround yourself with people who care about you, and exercise some trust.

Peace to all...and I'm picking the Bears by 10 in the Superbowl!

Perspective

Happy 2007! It's been a little while since I've posted a new devotional, and the theme of this devotional will let you know why. Let me catch you up.

The holidays hit in full force, and we had an unexpected curve ball thrown our way. My 16 month old, Aiden, got some kind of virus or stomach flu the beginning of December that he held onto for almost a week. It then took him another week to really start feeling back to normal, or so we thought. He began to have trouble breathing and was really stuffed up, which we thought was normal for him, because he's teething and he's been on a nebulizer since he was a couple months old. But this seemed different, and on the 21st Dawn took him to the doctor. Well, they didn't come home, and instead went directly to the Pediatric ICU ward in the hospital where he spent the next 3 1/2 days with a virus, an infection in his lungs, and more cords coming out of him than C3-P0 from Star Wars. He responded really well to treatment, and was able to come home on Christmas Eve. That was the best present this year.

The PICU is not a fun place to be. There was a baby across the hall from us who was only about a week and a half old. After his parents brought him home from the hospital, they went in to his room to check on him only to discover that he wasn't breathing. He was able to be revived, but was without oxygen for 40 minutes. His internal organs were working OK, but his brain wasn't responding. I just found out yesterday that they took him off the respirator. I pray that the baby is safe in Jesus' arms right now.

But with all this going on right in the middle of the holiday hub-bub, presents, and parties, it really made me take some stock about what's really important. Presents, bows, parties, and running around can really distract us from things we take so for granted each day. Things like family, health, and salvation. Gift-getting did not matter to me this Christmas; only getting my son home healthy did and having my family all together.

We live in a society that values consumerism over generosity, programs over people, and ego over God. I truly believe that people need a good slap in the face, or get thrown on their backs sometimes to really see the important things that God has graciously given us and to stop being so busy and distracted with everything else.

In light of all this, the verse that has kept coming to mind is from Ecclesiastes 5:2 "Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." The main gist of the verse is just imploring us to keep the right perspective; specifically that we are not as important as we think we are and God is the only One that really counts. My selfish desires for gifts at Christmas are no where near as important as my kid being sick or the pain of new parents watching their 1 month old slowly die before their eyes.

I pray that 2007 is a year that things are able to be kept in perspective. I pray that there won't be so much running around, staying busy, or acquiring 'stuff'. I pray that we all can slow down, enjoy life, love God, and love people.

Here's to a new year with new opportunities!

Grace & peace,
Ryan