LIFE EXPECTANCY

I Was Just Thinking About – LIFE EXPECTANCY.

In reading the featured stories on the World Magazine Website, the first story on the page today is: “A Generous Giant - Michael Cromartie, 1950-2017.” (See: https://world.wng.org/2017/08/a_generous_giant). He was a man of vision and accomplishment despite the fact that few who read this knew anything about him. He died of Cancer on August 28, 2017. He was able to influence some trends and individuals. In reading this article, you will learn: (1) His certainty: “It will be glorious to meet my Savior.” (2) His regret: “But for crying out loud, there’s so much work I still have to do.”

It reminded me of a beautiful poem by C.T. Studd, a Missionary to China, India and Africa in the 1800s, that contains a recurring statement in each stanza:

“Only one life, “twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

In yesterday’s Blog, I wrote about the insidiousness of Cancer and the reality that it can and does have as it impacts, unexpectedly, a person, families, associates and friends. We pray, encourage and assist as best we can and with resources available to us but can we even begin to calculate the treatment costs. A family member who is an RN and has assisted in providing hospital care for Cancer patients shared that one IV in the treatment plan for a child of interest costs $8,000.00 per IV. How easily and quickly the costs mount up adding to the burden of those whose loved one is being treated.

Some Scripture verses that have come to mind (and have been shared previously), are worthy of being repeated. In a passage that’s dealing with someone overtaken by/in transgression, there is an instruction that has a broader application and serves as a basic principle, Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT), “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way, obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself.”

When I was a child, I attended a group that had one time been a Rescue Mission. It had re-organized and became a Church. Whenever there was a Communion Service, two passages of Scripture were read or recited by all attendees – I Corinthians 13 and Romans 12. Romans 12:15-16 (ESV) states a foundational principle for one’s life and practice: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

Many tears have been shed and prayers offered by various individuals for loved ones and acquaintances afflicted with Cancer. The abiding fact is that the eternal God is aware and cares. He will accomplish His perfect will and in His perfect time. Trust in Him. He knows what He is doing!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.