I have recently been reading a book by Francis Chan called “Forgotten God.” Its a great book and its challenged me in many ways already but there was a question Chan raises in his book that really made me stop and think. Chan is talking to a man who has ask their deacons to lay hands on him and pray for his healing because he is suffering through a terminal illness. Chan then asks him a question that wrecked my world tonight. ”Why do you want to be healed? Why do you want to stay on this earth?” If someone were to ask you that question what would you say? So many times I’ve heard people asked to be prayed for and countless times people have asked me to pray for them or their loved ones during tough times. And each time we pray for healing and we plead with God to keep them here on earth with us and tonight for the first time it really hit me that maybe we’re going about it all wrong. Why would I want to stay here? Now there are obvious reasons why selfishly I would want to stay here on earth. My wife is awesome and we’re fixing to have our first child. I can’t wait to meet my boy for the first time. I want to be here for them. I remember what it was like when my father passed away and I remember how hard it was for me and my mother. I want to be here for them. So I guess the better question is, do I really believe that heaven is better than here on earth? Can my lives desire be summed up by saying that I live my life for the glory of God? Is my focus on the glory of the God whatever the results? I’m not sure thats where I always line up. God mold me into someone who seeks your glory in everything.
Peace & Love
