2022_12_23 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Philippians 1 & 4
Once in a while I meet someone who’s faith leads them to want God more than anything this world has to offer. This year, I was fortunate enough to meet a very special lady named Lina whose current struggles have caused her to honestly be able to say, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.
Lina knew that there was something not right about her relationship with Christ and she was tired of ‘doing all the right things,’ but having no real substance to her faith. She was a Christian but did not know God. Lina remembers gardening one day and hit rock bottom. She prayed “God, I want to know you and I am willing for you to do anything so I will.” Later that year Lina was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She was naturally devastated and began to undergo cancer treatments, but it was in these darkest moments that her prayer was answered, and she came to know God. Lina is totally captivated by her heavenly Father and he is so close as she goes through much uncertainty. Lina says that what she has been through is worth it for the relationship she now has with Christ and if she dies, at least she will be with Jesus.
Lina’s story has made me very uncomfortable. On one hand I am in awe of God’s love overriding any circumstances we can face. On the other hand, I am concerned about what things I may have to face. My gaze needs to shift away from myself, and my hope needs to rest on Jesus alone. Philippians 1:21-24 says:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
Jesus came into the world so we could live beyond our current circumstances. We should not worry or fear. We can all know that joy and peace Lina has found.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David as savior has been born to you; he is Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead