I sat quietly outside the entrance to one of the busiest hospitals in Northern California. The calm morning air swept over my tired body with a refreshing breeze.
As I waited for my son Eric to park the car, I smiled at passersby. No one smiled back.
The previous 13 hours of a grueling drive through the night had actually been filled with peace and joy as we sang and hummed along to some of our favorite worship songs.
Finally, in my son Cody’s hospital room, there was no sense of sorrow. Laughter could be heard throughout the halls, and joy filled the hugs as each new visitor arrived.
With great gusto and reminiscence, the guys gathered around Cody’s bed, watching personal skiing videos.
“Hey, look, Cody…remember that day?”
I slipped away for a few minutes and took the elevator down one floor. Again, I smiled and greeted people coming to see their loved ones. But the heaviness on their faces seemed to leave little room for a smile in return.
I found it interesting because just two days earlier, the ICU doctor had told us, “Of all our patients, Cody is the sickest patient we have.”
Yet in the midst of such a serious situation, joy was present.
James 1:2–3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
The Lord calls us to view our trials through a different lens. It’s not an easy road, and following Christ doesn’t mean we will never experience pain. But even in the hardest places, He can give us a joy the world cannot explain.
If you were told you were dying, what would be your goal? After the doctors told Cody they could do no more for him, he was asked that very question.
His immediate reply was simple: “To bring glory to God!” So, we made it our goal, too.
Perhaps the greatest testimony isn't how we respond when life is easy, but how we respond when it isn't.
Cody showed us joy wasn't dependent on his circumstances. His eyes were fixed on something greater.
Today's song by Terrain reminds us: “Honestly, we need, we need You, Jesus.”
And perhaps that is where it all begins. When our hearts are overwhelmed, when circumstances don't make sense, and when we don't know what tomorrow holds, we need Jesus.
Psalm 73:26 reminds us: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
When our strength fails, His doesn't. When our hearts are heavy, He remains our portion. And when we don't know what to do, we can still choose our goal:
To bring glory to God.
Why? Because in every circumstance, He is worthy.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us keep our eyes on You when life becomes difficult, and let our lives bring You glory in every circumstance. May our joy come from knowing You are with us, no matter what we face. In Your precious Son's name, Amen.
