We just got back from a trip last night. Not really a vacation; more like, “Well that was a trip!” We had planned fun days touring and hiking national parks in southern New Mexico and Texas. In spite of recent snow, bitter cold and iffy roads, we completed our journey’s first leg to Albuquerque. We enjoyed dinner at the home of a friend where we’d overnight, anticipating the next day’s adventures. But at one in the morning, I became violently ill and spent the night nauseated and miserably sick in a cold bathroom. It reminded me of vertigo attacks and resulting stomach upset I’d had years earlier, when I wanted to die because it felt like more than I could bear.
But as with other difficult times, I got through it, and the awful sensations and physical reaction eventually ceased. We finally rested a few hours. The next morning, though, Carrie announced I was in no condition to hike and we were going home. My brief argument ended with, “Yes, dear,” and she graciously drove us the long 450-mile return journey just one day after we’d set out. I tentatively sipped water in the passenger seat. We retired early and exhausted, but awoke this morning, not too much worse for the wear, looking forward to God’s plan B for our time off.
This little episode brings to mind God’s promises. We never know what challenges a day (or night) may hold. And while God never sends it our way, Jesus told us we’d experience some tribulation. That’s not the first promise highlighted in contemporary Christian books and messages that purport Jesus basically died to give us a cushy existence, free of problems. It’s true He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. But He also said we’d encounter difficulties. Yet look at how He lovingly put it:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
We need never fear as believers–because we are in Christ and He has overcome the world! There is nothing He’s never faced; nothing’s too big for Him. In Him we have everything we need to overcome whatever challenge may arise, day or night, and in Him we are promised ultimate victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
When I pack for a trip, I try to think of everything. Carrie often tells me (as I run around at the last minute thinking we might need that kitchen sink after all,) “Enough!” Still, I may forget something or, more likely, weigh us down with a lot of stuff we never end up using.
But God is the Ultimate Packer. When He set us up for life, He knew just what we would need. He left nothing important out; neither did He burden us with the unnecessary. I never need to compare suitcases with others; I’m on a different journey. I can relax in the knowledge my loving Father packed exactly the right things. I have everything I need, and so do you! (2 Peter 1:3).
So sorry you were sick and your trip cut short. I love how even in complete illness you still saw the grace of God. I’m also thankful for the truth of the Lord, that this world does have tribulations but he has overcome the world.
Thank you for sharing,
Lori N