Make Every Moment…
“Was it worth it?” I heard someone ask beside me; as consciousness quickly faded and another convulsion overtook my body.
The question came after I quipped about getting too excited while singing.
To set the scene, minutes prior I was on stage leading God‘s people in worship. The chosen selection followed Ryan’s message perfectly.
This song also held special significance as one I’d recorded a few months earlier. A musical gift my niece and I presented at Christmas.
The lyrics, the swell of the instruments, the message; all of it served as a jumping off point for my excitement.
I was overcome with emotion and following the moment of lifting my voice in praise, came my body’s typical response when I exert too much energy.
The question “was it worth it,” has been rattling around in my mind ever since.
If my foggy memory serves correctly, I was quick to nod in the affirmative, because that’s the good Christian thing to say.
“Was it worth it?”
Was it worth being taken back to that moment in time where my niece sat in that very room, beautifully singing her love song to Jesus.
Was it worth it, as I reflect on the hope of fellow believers who proclaim healing when physical healing has yet to be within my grasp.
Was it worth it, as I think and pray through the sermon that my husband so passionately delivered. A message declaring that Jesus described in the book of John as the Word, is an overflow of God‘s heart.
God the creator, so full of love for us that He sent Jesus, full of truth and grace, and tasked Him with fixing our sin problem.
“Was it worth it?”
When compared to the excruciating pain of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross - any momentary discomfort that I experience; my afflictions and trials are but a brief blink in view of my sin being poured out on God’s Son.
You better believe it was worth every ounce of energy I could muster. And I can confidently say I’ll do it again and again!
Because as I reflect on making each moment worthwhile, there are two areas that God has called my attention to in the midst of waiting for healing:
Trust... The message within Proverbs 3:5-6, has come alive for me along this journey. I am continually learning to release control and replace my natural tendencies with trust.
The Lord will direct my path, when I get out of the way and trust with my entire being.
In addition to His promise of direction, God is drawing me back to my life’s purpose.
As long as there’s breath within my body, I will glorify God using whatever means possible.
If that includes sifting through the physical aftermath, so be it.
Pointing people to the HOPE I’ve found, in the midst of the mess, is my full-time gig.
It’s why I’m here!
Just in case no one has ever told you, it’s why you’re here, too! The methods through which we bring God glory may vary, nevertheless, it’s the task of every believer.
Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians and Colossians, to glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
He alone is worthy of our praise because His name is beautiful, His name is wonderful, and above all there is power in the name, Jesus.
Where are you today, dear reader? The trials that you face, the things that you endure, the pain that no one else sees, are you making it count?
Are you living your life in a way that shines brightly in this dark world by pointing others to Jesus?
May our reply be a resounding YES, when asked-
“Was it worth it?”
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for giving me a place to share that your name is beautiful, that your name is wonderful; that your name stands above all.
It’s to the name of Jesus I cling, the name who with my last shred of consciousness I plea, make my life worth it.
Amen.
