Sunday, April 28, 2013

Health As An Idol


Yesterday, while recovering physically and emotionally from brain surgery, I listened while Dr. Oz interviewed a woman who said, "If you don't have health, you don't have anything."  Wow!  I so disagree with her comment.
Yes, I have not had good health for the past 24 years.  My future is very uncertain, but isn't everybody's future uncertain?  First of all, I have a Savior who has saved me from the wrath to come, freed me from all of my sin, guilt, and condemnation, and is preparing a mansion for me where I will live eternally with Him and all my loved ones forever with no more sickness, crying, or pain.
I have an amazing husband who tenderly cares for me.  He has worked hard and been faithful to me for over 32 years.  He has provided a wonderful living for my children and me.  I have four children who walk with Jesus, love me, and brighten up my life every time I see them.
I have a son-in-law and daughter-in-law who are more than I could have ever dreamed or hoped for.  They are amazing spouses to two of my children.  I have the most adorable grandbaby ever who lights up my life and even makes me laugh when I walk into my home as a basket case from three rough days in the hospital.  {You tired, Grandma.  You so tired, Grandma....Grandpa, Grandma is so tired!}
I have godly parents who are with me every step of this journey.  I have supportive and loving sisters.  I have amazing friends who pray consistently for my health to be restored.  I have a church and ministry I love.  I even love my neighborhood.  They are all praying for me, sending flowers, and wanting to help in any way they can. {Thank you, Bartletts, for the beautiful flowers pictured above!}
I could go on and on...my home, food, neurosurgeons who piece me back together, Door Country, cousins, etc. God is so very, very good.  He has taken me through all my trials faithfully and He will never fail me.
I now concentrate on the verses about smiling at the future and having no fear of bad news.  My God doesn't want me to be anxious about anything.  Sure, there have been a lot of tears lately but we know He is in complete control.  I will never doubt that no matter what happens to me.  Life is hard.  A lot of bad things happen.  I couldn't imagine going through it without Jesus.  With Him, there is always hope.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Comments (16)

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Jennifer Collins's avatar

Jennifer Collins · 622 weeks ago

I agree, Lori. Good health is indeed a blessing, but certainly not everything! I'm praying for you and your family today.
(I recently emailed you and you graciously replied even though you have so many things going on in your life!)
And of course you have the wonderful and amazing readers of your blog! HA HA!! Glad to see a post from you!!
2 replies · active 621 weeks ago
I do and I should have mentioned all of you in my post! I appreciate all your comments and prayers more than you can imagine.
Danielle B's avatar

Danielle B · 621 weeks ago

There's something nice to see, a reply from Lori! So nice to see that! I've been praying for you.
Right on sister! With Jesus we have everything!
Your faith is amazing, thank you for sharing! Praying for you daily!
I recently found your blog about two weeks ago, and I can't believe how it truly speaks to my heart. I know it was the Lord who led me to find it. I am praying for you and for a complete recovery. The Lord is the great physician! God Bless you for all you do and for all of those you inspire!
Amen to this! I've seen people chase health so diligently as if it's all that matters. It does matter--God cares about all the details of our life--but you have a great list of others things that also matter that we have. May God bless you with good health and many more treasures!
Wow, what an awesome perspective, Lori. Thanks for sharing your faith and your heart. My prayers are with you, friend.
You are so right, Lori about health being an idol. How blessed you are to have such wonderful support!
Wow, I can't believe you're able to actually write a post on your blog! It's so good to see you posting!

So true, my friend! My brother has fought cancer three times and is now in remission. His health means a lot to him, that's for sure, but his family and friends and Lord means more!

We can take so much for granted and when we stop and count our blessings we are overwhelmed!

So lovely to hear from you on here again, as I just said! I was thinking of you just today and wondering how your week went. I'm sorry I didn't get over here to post a hello and check up on you.

I love that Proverbs verse about smiling at the future and the Psalm 112:7 one about not fearing bad news is a favorite as well.

Praying for you, my friend and thanks so much for linking up to the "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party today! :)
Beautifully stated! Your faith and positive attitude are inspiring. I hope your recovery is going well. Thinking of and praying for you!
Health is wealth but it's not everything. A person has to be healthy inside and out in order to say that he or she has had a well-lived existence.Our faith and the supportive people that we surround ourselves with, is what keeps us all going. ^^

Visiting you from the Happy Wives Club link up.
Dear Lori
I remember the time when I had good health and how I was a religious go-getter galore!! Ever since I have been ill with Fm/CFS I learned hoe to live in our Lord, resting in Him as my only security. I also can see now how blessed I am with all His goodness.
Thanks for sharing this thoughtful post.
Mia
i have another friend, fighting colon cancer, who made a similar comment about how easy it is for health to become an idol and to become the preoccupation of your life... powerful and convicting words, especially from ones who might be tempted much more in that direction than i am at this moment in my life.

may you continue to feel God's presence every step of this journey.
WOW! Beautiful Post and so true!

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