Invisibility

Definition: (noun) inability to be seen

In September, I led a discussion in a ladies’ Bible class on “What Matters Most …” We focused on scripture from Philippians. I learned so much while preparing that lesson and presenting it to those who attended that evening.

As I have been dealing with health issues over the last few weeks, this lesson has continued to return to my thoughts. My health issues are invisible. When someone looks at me, they do not see the physical pain I am in on a daily basis. However, when I look at someone else, I can’t see their pain either. We all have pain: physical, mental, social, emotional … and it is all invisible. So, as I have tried to rest and recuperate over the last few days, I have spent time in prayer and pondered the thoughts of that lesson: desires, dilemmas, dedication, and decisions.

I have reminded myself to change my internal dialogue from “why is this happening to me?” to “what can I learn from this?” I have to be intentional with this. The first question allows me to be a victim and complain. The second question forces me to be an active participant in my daily life decisions. I will admit sometimes I am too tired to do this but I am always disappointed in myself when I don’t.

When someone is confronted with pain and illness, careful consideration is given to the “important things in life.”

-          Family, Work, Finances

-          Keeping all the plates in the air

-          Getting our house in order: physically and spiritually

In Philippians, Paul was awaiting the outcome of a trial which would decide his future. While he was waiting, he was not anxious; he was at peace knowing everything in his daily life was trivial compared to the treasure of Christ.

I know for myself, I can get caught up in my daily life and consider everything to be very important and forget how trivial it all is compared to the treasure of Christ.

Sometimes we allow our ‘daily everythings’ to overwhelm us and we forget the bigger picture.

On my desk at school, I have a perpetual calendar of inspirational sayings and this is my favorite:

“Tuck this thought into your heart today. Treasure it. Your Father God cares about your daily EVERYTHINGS that concern you.” by Kay Arthur  

We each have our own dilemmas:

-         We have things we “want” – even spiritual things for ourselves – which we often sacrifice for the necessity of:

o   our family

o   our spouse

o   our children

o   our friends

o   our ministries

o   our work

o   our health

The real dilemma is:

-         Are we sacrificing for the good of God’s glory?

When I stop and ask myself what I am learning from any situation, it almost always comes back to this fact: no matter what, if I am doing my best for Christ, God will use me for His purpose.

So, just when I think I have conquered one health issue, another occurs which can easily make me feel defeated. I must think of it as a new challenge … a speed bump, not a roadblock!

I have tried to use these last few days to rest, reflect, and refocus. I have tried to take inventory of my time and energy. This quote kept coming to my mind:

“If you are doing anything of worth, the enemy is doing everything in his power to make you quit.”

If Satan can’t make us bad, he will try to make us busy. When I become too busy, my health fails. This is distracting me from what matters most.

Henry David Thoreau wrote: “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

I must remember the verse from Romans which states: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.

My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God. I have this framed in my home office, in my living room, and on my desk at school.

I have learned I am thankful for these issues and their invisibility. I don’t want to be known for them but I do want them to stop me in my tracks from time to time so I can be still and refocus on what matters most. In reality, what matters most is invisible!

So today, as I ask myself what I am learning? I know it is okay to be still and rest. God has got me just like He had me the last time and the time before that and the time before that and the time before that … to infinity.

:: Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Love, Jan 💖