Posted on by Christian Armetta

Did He Really Say That?

Genesis 6:9-22

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. 10 Noah was the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence.12 God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.13 So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth!

14 “Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. 15 Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 16 Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper.

17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives.19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. 20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. 21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.”

22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

Sad-man

Does God really want me to do that? We’ve all felt the tug, piercing, and even near audible call to step out in faith, but we doubt! Instead of placing feet to faith, we entertain our own logic which inadvertently fosters doubt…”Did He really say that?”

Most of us know this passage by heart. We can retell the story in great detail. It’s amazing! After re-reading this passage today, I gleaned even more valuable information. This is actually typical each time I pick up the Word. What about you? The Holy Spirit has a supernatural way of revealing something new each and every time you open the Bible. I love how He peels back the layers.

For me, I was drawn more into Noah’s character than the objective details God outlined in constructing the ark. What did you notice? Genesis 6:9 says it all, “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” What a testimony!

Yes, I fully understand that we are to emulate Jesus Christ, and He alone is our model; however, I would love to be characterized like Noah in this passage. As God looked down upon all the corruption in the earth, He was drawn to this one man because of his faithfulness, integrity, and righteousness. I pray for such qualities! Even more, he walked closely with God. There are many people on this earth that truly have a nice personality; they are even kind to strangers and give to those in need. However, they are still lost because they do not have a personal relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ. We must remember that “niceness” alone will not get you to heaven. This, of course, is a natural fruit of being a believer, but simply being nice and doing good works will not come close to sanctifying us. 

I urge you to live a life that can only be characterized by righteousness, blamelessness, and in close fellowship with your Creator. What a challenge…or is it? Don’t get me wrong. I fully understand the temptations and worldly draw. However, this is more than a challenge my friends; this is an expectation! All believers are called to live clean and innocent lives as children of God. Therefore, this is more than a challenge; it’s an expectation.

Surrounded by evil and endless mocking, Noah did not waver. According to verse 22, “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” In essence, Noah didn’t say, “Lord, let me check my calendar, consult with scholars, or think about that a bit longer because what you are asking is short of insane.” Instead, Noah did what? — got busy for the Lord! I love it! He could have asked so many questions. If you’re like me, you would have attempted to present a detailed outline of pros and cons as part of your business model. I’m just thankful our God is a patient Father because He most certainly has to be patient with me! 

A valuable lesson today:

-God doesn’t need your business model. He wrote the rules!

-God doesn’t need your approval. He IS the Ruler!

-God doesn’t need your analysis. He desires your faith!

-God doesn’t need your doubt. He seeks your conviction!

-God doesn’t need your suspicion. He assesses your dependency.

So, has God asked you to build an “ark” in the middle of a field, nowhere near a body of water lately? Now you’re thinking! What has God called you to do that you think is outlandish? Is it time to be faithful and trust Him? —YES! Do you want to be seen as righteous, faithful, and dependent? —ABSOLUTELY!

Thought: Stop controlling and give in to His calling. What is He asking you to do?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

Refuge in the Storm

Psalm 16:1-11

1 Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

    Every good thing I have comes from you.”

3 The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!

4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.

5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

    You guard all that is mine.

6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

    My body rests in safety.

10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

11 You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

refuge

There is such comfort in knowing Jesus is always with us. He is truly by your side. Even more, as believers we know that the Spirit of God lives within us. There is never a time when we are ever truly alone. Even though darkness encircles and oppression is eminent, Scripture tells us that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you and me!

Do you honestly believe that the same powerful God, capable of absolutely anything, lives within you and me?

-Do you feel bound or bold in Christ?

-Do you experience fear or freedom in the Savior?

-Do you feel spiritually paralyzed or spiritually pardoned through the blood of Christ?

-Do you emulate His goodness or live in grief?

Psalm 16:5 says, “5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.” What a reassuring blessing. As believers, we can truly rest on the fact that Jesus is our inheritance, not diamonds, coins, or gold. Our inheritance is firmly planted in the cornerstone of the Lamb. Great things are built upon His strong foundation!

Allow your body, soul, and spirit to rest in His safety. Philippians 4:6 says, “6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Yes, thank Him even in advance because He is that good and His promises never fail.

Psalm 106:2 says, “Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?” This passage alone is humbling enough to lay aside all grief, strife, discord, and frustration because my God is glorious; we truly cannot praise Him enough for all His goodness.

I pray that you find peace and comfort from today’s passage. No matter what you’re facing, God is not only protecting you, He is working within you for His purpose. Give Him all honor and praise for He is GOOD!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Service

Luke 22:27

Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

service

There is nothing more humbling than listening to the testimony of a young man describing his childhood where he lived in deplorable conditions. He painted a vivid picture of extreme poverty; yet he overcame! He went on to say that being raised in Panama City, Panama was very difficult for his family. Naturally as a child living in these conditions, he did not know what Xbox was or even an iPhone. He didn’t fight with his sisters over which t.v. show to watch that evening; conversations revolved around cleaning the mud out of the house every time it rained and if there was going to be any food to eat for dinner that night. He fully understood that even the simple things in life were hard to come by. This was an awakening moment for me.

You see, this young man was the recipient of “Operation Christmas Child” sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. This young man learned to trust in Jesus through this wonderful organization.

Samaritan’s Purse Mission Statement:

(https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/)

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This young man, now living in the United States, travels the country giving his testimony and rallying believers to not only participate in this wonderful ministry but to also volunteer by either packing boxes or delivering them. After watching the video of God’s precious children gleefully opening their Christmas boxes, there is only one response I can make – GO and DO in Jesus’ name. Most children in America are used to opening expensive gifts, gadgets, and clothes. However, these children are thrilled to see pencils, paper, flashlights, and soap…PERSPECTIVE!

I truly do not think we “get it.” Most of us are surrounded by luxury compared to other parts of the world. Honestly, if you have running water and an indoor bathroom, then you are miles ahead of many in this world! We complain when our cell phones aren’t fast enough or our cars aren’t polished enough. We argue to complete strangers over the smallest inconveniences while children are going to bed literally starving.

To this I say – ENOUGH! Our greatest model of servanthood was and continues to be Jesus Christ. God in human form served better than anyone else. He could have easily sat at the head of the table and demanded to be served. However, that was not His mission AND IT’S NOT YOURS! So stop it!

I pray that we humble ourselves and simply give. Give time, energy, and even money if you feel led. Whatever you do…simply serve! There are so many hurting souls. Are we convicted enough to get up from our comfortable couches and plush chairs and get our hands dirty? Are we even convicted enough to go hungry if it meant giving our last meal to a starving family?

Thought: We are quickly approaching the holiday months, and I implore you to simply give! Ask the Holy Spirit to use you in a powerful way.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

Vulnerability

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

sitting on bench

While sitting on a newly dusted sofa, she anxiously awaits the knock at the door. Through the deafening clicks from the clock on the wall, she mentally sounds off every painful second…tick-tock, tick-tock. It’s almost as if time itself is reinforcing her deep-rooted insecurities. Each secondhand click brings forth these dreaded words: unwanted, unloved, failure…She is now paralyzed by her own insecurities and fear.

She cannot remember a time when anyone stumbled across her doorstep much less through an open invitation. Today was different. Since giving her life to Christ, she has experienced a transformation through the power of His blood – transformational! Although continuing to fight the inner demons of insecurity, she is choosing to remove tall walls, layer by layer, that have isolated her for years.

While staring at the wall recalling her life’s struggles, she comes face-to-face with her deepest fear – vulnerability. Just at that time she hears the knock at the door. “What do I do?” she thinks. The dark inner voices come forth and say, “Why did you invite them here? You know they will eventually hurt you! You aren’t worth their love anyway so just hide, and they will go away!”

Tears begin to flow from the deep well of personal torment. She stands up in what appears to be self-defeat; the demons cheer as they continue to press her to retreat. Yet, she reaches for the door handle instead of turning to run. The inner voices leap forward in their last attempt to self-harm. She nearly retches as she slowly opens the door all while fighting her inner-demons.

With the most fluid of motions, the church members awaiting outside glide into the foyer where they individually embrace their new small group member. One by one, they speak words of encouragement and thankfulness, “It’s so good to see you! Your home is beautiful. Thank you so much for inviting us over for Bible study today.” Every single word, phrase, and physical embrace marking the true love of Christ through His people appear to wipe away every negative thought. She turns around to find a room full of Christ-loving believers in the same space where she once gave in to self-defeat and depression.

A smile replaces apprehension! As she walks back into the living room, she offers a prayer of thanksgiving. She is thankful for opening not only her home but her heart. She thinks, “I never dreamed being vulnerable would be so fulfilling; thank you Lord!”

Dear friends, there is no greater reward than building God-honoring relationships; however, this requires vulnerability. Do not withhold your love. Allow God to deliver you from fear, anxiety, and doubt. Also, ask Father God to fill you up with His peace where you can share the love of Christ in return.

Thought: Satan loves an isolated Christian! There is power in community. Tear down the walls and open up your heart.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Step

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

lantern

While leaving work today, God blessed me with a special encounter. As I’ve stated before, nothing happens by chance. I seek God’s face in all conversations, encounters, and even disruptions for God works in all situations. The question then is, “Are you willing to listen?”

Yet, today was different. This was most certainly not a disruption; this was a divine and destined encounter by God. I was running slightly behind schedule which providentially allowed me to run into a dear friend walking out of work on her very last day. You see, we all have been dreading this day for we love her, truly. I thought I had already said my goodbyes, which was hard to do, but I was so thankful to see her one last time – this special time as she leaves her job for the last time.

We cannot imagine no longer working alongside this special friend. She is kindhearted, light, attentive, God-fearing, and just plain fun to be around. Yet, over the past few months, she has had to hold back tears of true physical pain as she deals with a newly diagnosed physical condition. However, through this trial, I have seen her faith grow like the deep roots of an oak. She says with pure determination all while clutching her hands in pain, “I’m going to get my miracle!” This my friends is FAITH!

She is truly taking a single step in faith as she begins a new journey – cautious, nervous, and even scared, but this is where God is made perfect in our weakness. The passage above reminds us that God’s Word is a “lamp upon my feet.” You see, this special friend is living this passage to the fullest! She is taking a single step in faith focusing on Christ to sustain, deliver, and protect her and her family – wow – what a testimony.

With tear-filled eyes and such a heavy heart, we embrace and offer words of encouragement. God IS in control! So, today I encourage you and my sweet friend to keep taking steps of faith, one at a time, focusing on Christ who will steady each step. Even though we are intellectually gifted enough to problem solve many steps ahead, the Word says give it to God because let’s face it…we aren’t THAT gifted! Try to picture Father God sitting high on His throne in full control of the whole world and universe. We have enough trouble controlling our children, work, school, and athletic schedules let alone every single human being, living creature, and universe…o.k. I think you get the point.

It boils down to stop looking so far ahead and simply asking God to steady our next step as it aligns with His perfect will on earth as it is in heaven.

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

So, my friend and I parted ways not knowing when we would see each other again, but this special friend will never know how much she touched my life! I pray that you always remember that you are projecting a testimony in the way you live your life – positive or negative! Today, I say thank you Jessie for showing us faith and a positive testimony. You will be missed greatly. We will not cease in our prayers, and we too believe that you will receive your miracle! We will commit to picking up our lanterns and taking one step of faith alongside you.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Pretending

Romans 12:9

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

fake

As we continue our current series on living a genuine Christian life, I would like to further emphasize our responsibility to be real, loving, and true. In turn, I would say stop being fake and stop pretending! Do you really love others? Let that soak in for a minute…do you REALLY? The Bible is filled with accounts of Christ humbling himself to love on others. God in the flesh…serving and dying for us! Whoa!

John 15:13 even says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus demonstrated this to the fullest by laying down his life for all of humanity, even those who hated Him and didn’t believe in Him. Now that my friends is love! We have zero excuse to live in opposition to His teachings for He paid the ultimate sacrifice.

What does this passage really mean to you? For me, I want to be ever so sensitive to the Spirit that I do not miss a single opportunity to love on others. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not perfect! Yet, I do not want to be engaged in any act that would be viewed or considered unloving by outsiders—why? I truly don’t want to be a stumbling block against the Kingdom. Remember, Satan’s best offense is a rebellious believer! It only takes one off-color comment or bad decision to negatively influence a seeker. Some of you might be thinking, “That’s not me!” However, I would encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth and wash it clean.

We are not only encouraged but tasked with loving others. This takes such work because people can be unloveable. Can we be real for a moment? Of course we can! This world is filled with imperfect humans…yes, you and me included. Therefore, that is a ‘perfect’ recipe for unlovable moments. However, Christ never failed. What a beautiful example! He sought out the different, the strange, the ravaged, the hated, the scorned, the sinner–yes, he sought you! Christ died for the same people we call strange, annoying, and just plain different even today. Who are we to judge His people? Do you feel the conviction as I do?

Where are you dear friends? Is your nose in the air or your knees on the ground? Is your finger pointed to you or your hands lifted to Him? Are your actions self-indulgent or does the sweat from your brow tell a story of servicing the needy? Is your pocketbook cushioned or filled with faith while you place all that you have in the plate? These are the questions we must be asking each other. We must sharpen the flock in order to live and love like Jesus.

Question: What does true love look like to you?

Challenge: Stop being fake and pretending and start influencing others in a positive manner giving honor to God the Father.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

God’s Way Out

1 Peter 2:12

12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

God's Way Out

When discussing a “tough” sermon topic on any given Sunday morning, I laugh every time our pastor says, “This Biblical principle must only apply to me because I know ya’ll aren’t as messed up as me!” – with a wink of course. I love how we can admit that (A) WE NEED JESUS because we are not perfect and (B) we are not in this alone.

I wanted to expound upon our topic yesterday, and this passage does just that! What happens when we present as God-fearing believers yet our actions scream otherwise? Sadly, this defines hypocrisy and stumbling block of which we discussed briefly yesterday. I wanted to take this a step further by examining the implications of our behavior. Here in 1 Peter, we see a direct correlation between living honorably and reflecting honor back to the Father. Remember – it’s not about you! Your words and actions should always point others to the Savior. If our words, actions, and behavior point seekers away from the Savior in a way, we are not living honorably and therefore in sin.

This simple, yet challenging Biblical principle, is one that we should print out and tape to every mirror we own! This is a beautiful reminder of our GREAT responsibility as believers. Do you realize that you are that influential? Don’t get me wrong—not in a pride sense of the term—rather, in a spiritual sense. Therefore, we must die to self and be true servants to the One who paid the ultimately price! As you finish out this week, remember to “live properly among your unbelieving neighbors” so that they may see God ALL OVER YOU no matter what situation you are in – returning honor back to the Father.

As we dig deeper, think about how we treat our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Honestly, most of us are extra cautious when it comes to influencing non-believers. I do believe that most of us have a heightened sense of importance and awareness which helps guard our thoughts and words.

What happens when we repeatedly gossip about our fellow believers?

What does it look like when we are often quick to anger to those we call brother or sister in Christ?

What impact is felt when we are the complainers in all situations, especially when it comes to making changes in church procedures?

What stumbling block is deposited for all to see when we give very little personally and then fail to dig any deeper for an offering or church/community volunteerism?

Yes, it stings-I know! The purpose behind this message is one of sharpening. As we come together in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ask God to reveal your strongholds. Most importantly, give him the key and let him CLEAN HOUSE! Remember, the only way to a successful life, filled with the Spirit, and giving honor back to the Father is through God – “God’s Way Out!” By doing this, you are choosing to live an honorable life where non-believers AND believers alike see Jesus all over you. In the end, you want others to mimic Christ – not you! It’s time to clean house so choose God’s way out.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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True Measure

Proverbs 27:19-21

19 As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. 20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. 21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

reading bible

It bears repeating…I love Proverbs! After reading this passage today, I could not stop thinking about the true measure of a Christian. What is the one thing that puts a bitter taste in a seeker’s mouth when conversing with a believer? The answer, for me, is very transparent. A seeker has a keen sense of identifying fakes or hypocrites! The one thing believers hear over and over again is that we say one thing but demonstrate another through our actions, words, and gifts. This is not acceptable dear friends!

Our model is Jesus Christ who demonstrated the purest of consistency. How do you measure up? No, we aren’t perfect; however, we are instructed to live pure and blameless lives. We are to shine like the stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15). How can we attract others to the cross when we are their main stumbling blocks?

In the passage above, it states that the heart reflects the real person just as a face is reflected in water. That verse alone is breathtaking. If you find your heart cold, dark, and judgmental, you may need deliverance! If you find yourself prideful and conceited, you most certainly need to humble yourself before Father God and confess your sins at His altar of forgiveness.

In verse 21, a good measure of pride is how you handle being praised! If you thrive or even insist on being praised for your contributions, actions, or results, your heart does not coincide with the principles taught in the Word as Christ came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). How can we elevate ourselves above Christ? – we cannot! We are quite familiar with another being who attempted to elevate himself above the Father and he is now condemned for all eternity. Yet, in the meantime, his entire purpose is to ruin your life…simply put my friends! Not only does Satan want to ruin your life, he will not be satisfied unless he can steal, kill, and destroy those around you or associated with you too…so today we say, ENOUGH! We are not elevated above God, and we humbly submit ourselves to His will.

Thought: What will your heart reflect? What is your true measure?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Don’t get Sidetracked

Proverbs 4:26-27

26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

winding path

Damian storms out of the house well past curfew seeking to fulfill his addiction. His mother cries out in a strong yet depleted voice, “Please stay home my son–not again–let us help you!” Her words reach the front door just as he shuts it closed. She slumps in her chair and offers a prayer similar to the ones before: “Dear Lord, he is my son, and I love him so much. I pray that you will continue to place your watch care over him even though he is not listening or seeking you! Pierce his heart for all things holy and pure, and draw him closer to you each and every day. Above all things, Lord, give us peace, comfort, and direction as we continue to minister to our son. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.” Damian wanders a crooked path welcoming destruction. It is almost as if sin and all things evil are attracted to him. His life-choices mimic open gates inviting loss, heartache, ravage, extinction, havoc, rebellion, and downfall. He projects these demons onto his family and those around him out of hate. Yet, through the faithful prayers of his family, church, and friends, he will soon experience deliverance. His tragedies will soon become his testimony. Once bound by addiction, he will lead the masses to acceptance in Christ.

Dear friends, what do you see from this passage in Proverbs? I see preparation, “Mark out a straight path for your feet.” Marking any path takes time, study, practice, and implementation. We cannot expect to succeed in this life by simply wearing Christian-themed T-shirts or slapping a catchy biblical bumper sticker to our cars. While these things are “good”, they do not closely define our Christian walk. I strongly encourage you to dig deep into God’s Word where you can study His principles and practice! Prepare your Christian walk and remain on the straight path – “stay on the safe path.” When you are prepared, you are able to remain focused, keeping your feet far from evil.

Thoughts: Do you find yourself becoming spiritually sidetracked and removing your feet from His safe path? How will you combat this today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Won’t Help!

Matthew 6:27

“27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

The doctor closes the exam door leaving a depleted man and his hopeful spouse to contemplate the plan of care proposed for the next six weeks. The prayerful yet cautious bride finally speaks up. She walks over and grabs her husband’s hand yet it wasn’t the same. The strong hands that once held her while she delivered their three children years ago now appear weak and worn. She gently squeezes in hopes of initiating a powerful return yet his eyes speak a different story – tired and defeated. 

Just as he closes his eyes, she longs for the days of driving with the top down through the Rocky Mountains while singing old country songs, dancing in the kitchen when the kids were all asleep because it was more fun than washing a sink full of dishes, and sitting poolside reading a book and talking about the future. 

She is quickly drawn back to reality when she hears the doctor clear his throat from across the room. She thinks, “When did he come back in? I didn’t hear him enter?” The doctor says, “Have you all given some thought to the plan of care?” She collapses in anxiety as the weight of the world and the hopes for their family crumble around her. “No,” she answers, “We haven’t been able to talk; he’s just too tired.” As the doctor turns to walk away, she manages to grab the corner of his medical coat. He turns his head while his body remains opposed. He says, “Yes, do you have a question?” She embraces him without return and whispers, “I worry about him day and night! I can’t eat or sleep. What do you mean he only has three months to live? I will waste away worrying so you must promise me that he will get better.” 

The doctor who initially appeared to have very little empathy removed a small Bible from his jacket pocket and said, “I too received some bad news today but couldn’t leave my job. You see, my grandmother passed away today, and I will miss her funeral this week. I loved her like a second mother! I cling to the cross and to the hope we have in Christ to keep my feet moving, one step at a time. For the Word tells us that all our worries won’t add a single hour to our lives so I give it all back to Him in full surrender; it’s truly the only thing left I can do.” 

With tear-filled eyes, he hands her the Bible, and he walks away. She gently holds the Word as she sits at the bedside watching her soulmate rest. She opens the Bible and reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

As she closes her eyes to pray she hears her husband whisper, “Dear, what are you doing?” She replies with a reverent heart, “I’m releasing all my worries to God for tomorrow is a new day and we will rejoice for He is good no matter our outcome.” At just that moment, the husband says, “You finally understand my love, and now we can truly live!” 

Thought: Life is filled with stress, disaster, twists, and turns. How will you respond? 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta