Get To Know Him

Get To Know Him

The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Psalm 145:9

“I’ve always lived my life on the edge,” said Ray. “That’s why I don’t expect I’ll live to see sixty.”

Ray was fifty-five years old, and he admitted to smoking two packs of unfiltered cigarettes a day and drinking a six-pack of beer every night. He’d also had at least a couple of DUIs and spent time in jail for use and possession of drugs. When he guessed that he wouldn’t live to see the age of sixty, it was probably a good guess.

“Here’s the deal,” I replied. “Only God knows the number of breaths and heartbeats we have left, but you’re facing some pretty serious health concerns. Your lungs have been damaged with COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—and your chest X-ray shows a spot that may be cancerous. I’ve set up an appointment for you to meet with a pulmonary and thoracic surgeon next Monday.”

By the following Thursday, Ray was in surgery, and he returned to my rehab unit the week after that. He seemed liked a different man. He was quieter and showed less bravado.

“You know, Dr. Anderson, I’ve lived a terrible life, and God is certainly going to punish me for that,” he said.

“Let me tell you something, Ray. You don’t know God that well. He’s not standing by with a sledgehammer, waiting to bash us. No, he showers us with grace. When we’re lost and not even looking for him, he pursues us. He shines his blessings on all his creatures—good and bad. When we recognize his goodness and how he has extended his loving-kindness to us, it’s natural to want to have a relationship with him. In fact, that’s what happened to me many years ago. Had God not found me, I might be standing in your shoes. I just want you to know, it’s not too late if you’d like to get to know him better.”

“You’re right. This cancer diagnosis scared me. When I get out of here, I’m going to church because I want to know him.”

That was fifteen years ago, and Ray meant what he said. He just celebrated his seventieth birthday, and his life has become a blessing.

TODAY’S RX

You can’t earn God’s love, but you can yearn for God’s love.

God, I need your grace each day. Thank you for continually pouring it out on me and for pursuing me with your everlasting love.