“ . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).
I have always believed in prayer, but in the past six months, my faith in prayer has grown exponentially. When you cannot see how things will turn out, how do you deal with anxiety and fear about the future? I went through a really tough time beginning in March as my body started to deteriorate rapidly, and I did not know if I would make it. I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Had preached my last sermon? Had I taught my last class? I read this passage and spent a lot of time in prayer. I knew that my family, friends, colleagues, church members, students, former students, classmates, teammates, coaches, professors, and people all over the world (some I knew and some I didn’t) were praying for me. The prayers of God’s people, especially those who are righteous, have a powerful effect (James 5:16). I am so grateful for God’s grace, goodness, and response during this dark time.
Despite feeling anxious, I had a sense of calm in the middle of the chaos. The incredible miracle-working God was with me, always faithful and so kind and gracious. Someday, we will all die unless we are alive when the Lord returns. For Christians, death brings ultimate healing – no more pain, sorrow, tears, suffering, heartaches, or death. Christ is the victor who has conquered it all! I surrender to him, acknowledging my life is in his hands.
Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice always. How can we rejoice in the midst of anxiety, uncertainty, and when we are struggling with hope? I turned to our righteous God. His mercy has never failed me, and it never will. I take great joy and comfort in that truth. Romans 5:3-5 proclaims, “. . . we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (ESV). Max Anders wrote “The peace of God comes from prayer involving both asking God for earthly needs and thanking God for his presence and provision. The expression appears only here in the New Testament. God’s peace reflects the divine character, which lives in serenity, totally separate from all anxiety and worry. Joy replaces anxiety in life, so Paul advises the Philippians not to be anxious about anything. The cure for anxiety? Prayer! Worry and anxiety come from focusing on your circumstances. . .”[1] Instead of stressing about things, try praying about them. Talk to God about what you need and express gratitude for all he has done. Worrying never solves anything, but praying always will. Jesus warned against worrying. It is like looking at God and saying, “I don’t trust you.” The New Living Bible states it this way, “Don’t worry about anything; Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6).
The peace of God comes through praying about everything. Do not worry, pray, always thanking God for his presence and provision. God’s peace flows from his divine character, totally separating us from all anxiety and worry. In our humanity, we cannot grasp this kind of peace and confidence. It is beyond our comprehension. It is only available through Christ Jesus our Lord. Do not worry, pray. That is the key to the Lord’s peace.
Yes, I believe in prayer. I have been going through some tough health concerns recently, but God has been with me every step of the way. I totally trust in him and know that I can count on the Lord. I started the process to see if I could qualify for a liver transplant on July 3. In four intense days, I went through every test and procedure needed to determine if I was a viable candidate for a transplant. Normally, that process takes 4 to 5 months. On July 9, the liver and kidney transplant teams unanimously approved me for the replacement of both organs! After going through all the insurance protocols, I was put on the transplant waiting list. Just 32 hours later, I was offered both organs from a single donor! On July 19th, both organs were installed through 12 1/2 hours of surgeries, 9 1/2 hours by the liver team and 3 hours by the kidney team. I am convinced that this was nothing less than a miracle of God! I could never earn God’s favor, nor could I do anything to deserve it. I know some people wait for years before securing one organ for a transplant. The only way this timetable could have happened is through the work of the Lord. It is unheard of. My recovery has been remarkable, timely, and successful. I spoke publicly for the first time less than 2 months after my surgeries.
My story is unique, and I am so grateful for the grace God has shown me. I am so undeserving, but I am forever thankful. He has given me a new lease on life. God is not finished with me yet. I cannot fully understand what all this means, but I know He wants me to continue investing in the next generation of students and ministers. I also believe He wants me to share the incredible message of the gospel with everyone I meet.
Some of you are facing tough trials right now, but I want you to know that God is with you every step of the way. He is never going to leave or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5-6). So, take a deep breath and pray. He will be there for you, guiding you through this difficult time. Trust him and enjoy the goodness and grace of the Lord. He is with you even during the storm.
I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. With every breath that I am able, I will proclaim the grace and goodness of God. “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil 1:21).”
[1]Max M. Anders, M. Galations-Colossians, vol. 8, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 261.