Challenge Central: a CBC devotional
By: Jessi Heikkinen
God can use our physical ailments to remind us that this world is not our home.
As I was preparing to write that statement, I received a text that another one of my family members was experiencing a health emergency and had been rushed to the hospital. The irony. I should note that they are now stable and recovering at home. Before I got that text, I was going to tell you that this year has been unrelenting with physical health issues. And, as you can see, it still is. Maybe you can say the same?
Some of you work in the healthcare field and are exposed to physical brokenness daily. Some of us struggle with chronic illness. Some are primary caregivers with loved ones. Some of us keep catching virus after virus because our immune systems have taken a significant hit after Covid. Some of us deeply love people who are physically suffering.
Lately, I have found my heart crying out “it’s not supposed to be this way” too many times to count. Because, it’s not. There would have been no need for hospitals, medicine, or quarantines before Genesis 3. But, sin entering the world broke everything. Everything, except for hope.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
It is good to be reminded that I am merely human. It is good to be reminded that I desperately need God. With every symptom, diagnosis, long days and nights caring for loved ones, let us not despair. Let us not dwell too long on our own weaknesses. Instead, let us worship. Let us dwell on God’s great incomprehensible power. Let us remember that the suffering of this world is temporary! God promises us forever with Him in a place with no suffering, no sickness, no sin! Not yet, but soon.
Let us allow every sneeze, every headache, every fever, every positive Covid test, every trip to the hospital, every need for medication remind us of this today: this world is not my home.
Eyes up, sisters and brothers. Not yet, but soon.
