New Heights Baptist Church, Louisville, KY

Last year when my oldest son, Elijah, turned one year old he started to act different.  He was extremely clingy, quiet, and wanted to be held all the time.  My wife and I knew that something was wrong because Elijah is the type of child that never stops playing and never stops smiling.  We took him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with a standard cold-like virus that would clear up on its own.  A week went by and there was no change.  Two weeks went by and still no change.  When he contracted a fever, we took him again to the doctor and we were told that he had a virus called roseola, a fairly common disease among babies.  Again, we were told that it would clear up in 5-10 days.  Another two weeks went by and my playful, happy Elijah was no where to be found.  His fever had passed, but he was not the joyful Elijah I knew over the past year.  I had reached my wits end.  I was discouraged, sad, tired, stressed, and burdened all at the same time.  I knew that something had to be done so we took Elijah to a different pediatrician.  She recommended doing a strep test, even though she thought it would turn up negative.  The results came in positive.  Elijah had strep throat.  At this point, you can just imagine my reaction…pure JOY!  Why?  Because now I knew what was causing his abnormal behavior and I knew that antibiotics could cure his disease.  All of a sudden I stood up straighter, the sun shone brighter, and I felt 10 pounds lighter.  Why?  What had changed?  Elijah was still sick at that moment and I had just found out that he had a disease that could potentially be harmful to babies.  Yet, my whole disposition was entirely different.  Why the change?  I had hope.  Hope that he would get well and return to his old self.

Peter writes to suffering Christians in 1 Peter 1:13, Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Peter reminds his readers that if they are to endure their present trials, they must hope in their future inheritance.  No amount of suffering, trials, or persecution in this life can snuff out the future grace that the Christian will receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  This is why we do not boast in any temporary blessings or physical abilities or personal achievement.  These can be taken away, but as Christians our future hope is secure and therefore we “boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2).  If ever despair starts to creep into your life, remeber the hope you have in Christ.  It may just cause you to stand up a little straighter. 

Does it seem like the years of your life are flying by right before your eyes?   Another day gone by, another year older, and each year seems to go by quicker than the one before.  Have you ever thought that life’s fast pace just might be a gift from God?  Consider this text from Ecclesiates:

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20: Furthermore as to every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.  For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

If the days of your life seem to fly by, perhaps it is because you are preoccupied with the gladness of your heart.   How miserable would be an existence where each minute seemed to trudge by in sorrow and heavy-heartedness.  No doubt we experience these seasons of sorrow, but next time you turn around and another week, month, or year has gone by at light-speed, stop and thank God that he has filled your passing days with joy.