“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2)
During the time of the corona virus pandemic, one of the many blessings from God most people came to recognize is the blessing of good health. You only realize the magnitude of this when you fall ill or happen to lose a loved one, taken up by the virus. Suddenly, it occurs to so many of us, how blessed we have always been.
For it is easy to take for granted rising up easily every morning, bursting with energy and strength, to engage in any task of one’s dream. But come the day you are unable due to poor health then you know what you had!
There was a wealthy man; a banker, he had been at the top of his trade where he met and dined with the mighty and powerful. He lacked nothing that money could not buy. But now he was bed ridden with multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that gradually paralyzes the nervous system. With all his money he could receive the best medical attention 24/7. But still he could hardly move from his lonely bed. I am sure he would say, “I would rather be poor if I can only have my good health back!”
Good health is not one of those prayer requests or praises that features in many places. It’s is normal to praise God for granting one some material acquisition, land or that big job. Rarely do people stand up to praise God for granting them the miracle of good health. So many take their health for granted, and like the Jews during their sojourn through wilderness, often find it convenient to grumble, of that which they lack. They look around, despise themselves and cry out for “land and good houses!” Yet if all knew that one could have anything but without good health, where else can you enjoy anything you have!
Let us thank God for good health, every single day, and agree with the Psalmist, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103: 2-4).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise to thank you for the good health you have given me and indeed I am so blessed; so let me rejoice in this gift of good health with gratitude, to serve you even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
Related upcoming events
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20/05/2024 - 21/05/2024 All day“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV)
In the best selling book of all time is “The purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren of the 30,000 member US based Saddleback Church. The book which has sold over 50 million copies and translated into all major languages starts with the question, “Why am I here on earth for?” The author goes on to clarify that we were created for God’s pleasure; formed for God’s family; created to become like Christ; shaped to serve God and, made for a mission. It is an interesting book that has changed many lives, helping to focus them for something greater and fulfilling, beyond the mere ordinary.
If there is a life we can appreciate that had purpose was that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compared to the average life span of 70 years the 33 years of Christ pale, yet in terms of impact, they outscore almost any. Because He knew His purpose was for God’s pleasure Christ started his days by talking to God (Mark 1:35). Empowered, he would spread out in his vocation of preaching and teaching God’s word.
One of the defining aspect of someone who has found their purpose is priority. Because he was aware of his priority in life, Christ knew where to focus his time. Like any place there were distractions that He could have easily drifted into, of whatever nature, but that was not the case, as He prioritized what he was up to.
Today, you may start by asking yourself, “Why am I here on earth for?” Psalm 139:13-14, says: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." And Jeremiah 1:5, says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Once the truth dawns on you that you are not an ordinary creation merely passing by, then find your purpose and prioritise your life choices as Christ did.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, today I pray that knowing the purpose of my life was to please and serve you, that you help me prioritize my way of life, so as to be most effective in serving you, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
