“For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
Matthew 6:32-34 (RSV)
While at a church function a few years ago, I was able to finally get my anxious mind off my own issues, and focus on spiritual things. At the time, I was seriously considering retirement, although I still had a mortgage. I had been wrestling with the options of whether to sell my home and downsize, or to remain in it and trust God to make ends meet, on a retirement income. I went to a church event that evening, hoping to take my mind off of all material things and focus on the spiritual.
That evening, I was chatting with a lady in my church, who I had not seen in many weeks. She is a widow, much older than me, and battling cancer. She told me the cancer pills she needs, cost $2,000 a week, but that she was able to accrue a plentiful supply through free samples from pharmaceutical companies. So far she has not had to buy any of her costly medicine out of pocket. I was amazed, but glad to see how God took care of her.
She went on to share with me what her total monthly income was, and I was even more amazed that she manages to make ends meet, living alone in her own home and caring for herself with all the demands of a cancer diagnosis. I was impressed with her total trust in the Lord, in spite of the financial facts. She had a special grace of total reliance on God, which I wanted and needed as well.
She explained her situation not as someone seeking pity, but as one who is simply walking by faith, one day at a time. As she shared the details of her health and finances, it suddenly occurred to me that God was speaking to me through her. Before parting that evening, we discussed meeting for lunch one day, as she calmly walked back to her car, limping with her cane.
After that conversation, I knew God was telling me to walk with her kind of faith and trust. In my heart, I could hear Him say,
“Stop worrying, I will take care of you.”
To bring the story up to date, she is still living independently in her own home, three years later, and still battling cancer. She still has much to be anxious about, but she has perfect peace. Through her example, three years ago, I decided to stay in my current home, and He is helping me to live in the grace of total reliance on Him.
Jesus told us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all the other things would be added as well. By realigning my priorities to keep Him first, He helps me to live in peace, one day at a time. Jesus never intended for us to be anxious about tomorrow.
Whether it’s a financial, health or any other need, we can ask God for the grace of total reliance on Him and He will take care of us.
Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us wisdom, direction and peace of mind. Help us to overcome worry with the special grace of total reliance in you. Amen
