Where Would I Go?
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. – Psalm 119:92-93
When the doctor told us that my husband had a ten percent chance of living through a disease, I went into shock. My hearing diminished, the lights became too bright, and my head began to throb. “How can this be happening?” I wondered. “Is this even real?”
We heard additional details as the following days and weeks unfolded. The diagnosis shifted from a short-term prognosis to a longer one, with more complex disease and continuous treatment. In the confusion and the waiting, I turned to heaven and asked the Lord if there was any another way. And when I thought of looking somewhere else for answers, my soul cried out, “Where would I go?”
As the Psalmist says, if God’s teaching and instruction had not been my delight, I would have been destroyed. I really don’t know how I could have gotten out of bed and faced those days without the Lord. I do believe that he prepared me through studying his word. He gave me the gifts of faith and joy in Him. He led me to invest in friendships with other Christ-followers for our mutual encouragement and to help me remember his precepts. And most importantly, because of the relationship the Lord and I continue to develop, I knew then and know with certainty today that he is with me, will never leave me, and will never forsake me.
The family health situation continues. We see some improvements, and new things also arise. I believe that this type of path is normal, to some degree, for all believers until we are home in heaven. The beauty in our personal suffering is that it has brought us to the feet of Jesus, and it keeps us there. He is our great high priest who came to walk with us. He has experienced everything that we encounter and did not sin. He is our ever-present help in the good times and the most challenging ones. He is the God of all comfort and mercy. My life, my husband’s life, and the lives of all believers are hidden in him. So truly, where would I go?
In John chapter 6, verses 67-69, Jesus asks the twelve disciples if they want to leave with some of the other followers. Simon Peter responds to Jesus, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Lord, may we be a people who cling to you and your teaching. May we trust and delight in you, our source of life and joy on earth and in heaven to come. Amen.
If you would like to talk with someone about the work that God is doing in your life, help is available. Burke Care is ready and willing to walk with you on your journey. Reach out today.