“Rejoice always…!?” You’ve got to be #$@&%!* kidding me!
For about a month-and-a-half, God has been bringing to my attention the letter to the Philippians written by the Apostle Paul. It sounds almost PollyAnnic and simplistic. “Rejoice always, and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). How can a person truly rejoice under life threatening, challenging, or crippling circumstances?
Before Easter, I was able-bodied, had two strong arms and legs, could walk and talk effortlessly, pick up my children, go shopping, drive a car, engage in hobbies, play the piano, and sing. Right now, I can’t do any of them! Is it possible to rejoice? Now it is probably true that Paul never had a stroke; however, he was imprisoned and chained to two big smelly Roman guards 24/7 for years awaiting trial. This was a trial that from a human standpoint, could have resulted in his execution. He had been beaten, scourged, bitten by a snake, shipwrecked, and he went through the biggest midlife crisis ever known to man. All his early life, he had climbed up the ladder of success for a good Jewish scholar, but he threw it all away, becoming the most hated Jew of all time. And now, here he was, telling the Philippians, and all other Christians for that matter, to always rejoice…
Paul’s secret was that his joy was not based upon his circumstances, but rather, upon his perspective.
Let me be totally honest. This past year has been the most frustrating, discouraging, and heartbreaking year for both my career and my family life, all ending in a crippling stroke! I should be depressed, despairing, suicidal, and at the very least, enraged at God. But honestly, I’ve had more tears of joy, more adventures, more answered prayers, and more little miracles since the stroke than any time that I can remember. People who I haven’t spoken to for years, people who I hardly know, and people who remain anonymous, have reached out, encouraged us, and given us gracious gifts that we don’t deserve. I don’t remember another time when I’ve ever felt so loved, supported, and prayed for. This crisis has given me a new appreciation for living, for relationships, and for the simple priceless things of life. I’ve probably told my parents that I love them more in these past 45 days than I have in the last 45 years.
It’s true that my circumstances may still appear dire from the outside, but most importantly, I’ve learned from Paul that his motivation in life was simply to further the good news of Jesus and to pursue God’s calling on his life. Because of this, circumstances such as his personal comfort or hardship had no bearing whatsoever upon how he measured his personal success.
Likewise, I have been able to have more frank and honest discussions with others about my faith in Jesus and encourage them in their spiritual walk than in a very very long time. I am more sure of the profound Mastery of God’s infinite care, power, and love for me than ever before. Thank you so much for your prayers and generous support.
In closing, let me quote this well-known passage from Isaiah:
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Tim