Breathe

I recently preached on Jude 1:1 and the part that stands out to me for this column is this, “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” It is interesting how deep an introduction to a letter can go, but that seems to be the way of our God, and His Holy Spirit. The picture here is that you are preserved for Christ, protected by Christ, and kept in Christ. There could be so many illustrations, and explanations just by one of the mercies Jesus provides us. I like the image of His grace guarding us, while we are surrounded and walking through a thousand snares. I love the fact that we are promised that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, which can be found in Romans 8:38-39. Nothing in the physical world, and nothing in the spiritual realm can separate us from Jesus. You will not get a better deal anywhere else, no matter what an insurance or car salesman may tell you.

It makes me think of a difficult time in my life. At the age of 15 I had to have major back surgery to correct scoliosis (curvature of the spine). It was quite the ordeal that no one could prepare you for, and you only can truly understand after you actually go through it. I woke up in the Intensive Care Unit. It was a scary experience. I did not know where I was. I was confused by all the things hooked up to my body, and uncomfortable. I was not entirely myself as well, because of the high dosage of painkillers I was on. It seemed like everything was foggy, and I was not thinking or feeling as I normally would have.  

What surprised me the most was trying to sleep. I would fall asleep but be suddenly startled awake at the sound of multiple alarms going off all around me. I would hear my mom say, “Breathe, Cody.” I did not understand until it was explained to me that it was my oxygen alarm going off, informing everyone that I was not getting enough oxygen. It happened so much that I wanted to give up and did not want to admit that I was kind of scared. I told my mom to leave me alone because I was tired. Furthermore, I was sure I did not need to breathe that much. What I did not tell anyone was that since everyone was making such a big deal about this, I was afraid that the next time I fell asleep I thought I might die. Sad thing was I was in so much pain, uncomfortable, scared, and not feeling like myself that I thought it might be a good thing to not have to go on anymore like that.

Oh Christian, if today you feel anything like I felt above Jesus is telling you, “Breathe.” In your darkest nights, He is watching over you at your bedside. When the worries of this life seem to be suffocating, He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through the worst pain in your life, turn to the Great Physician and watch him administer just the right medicine for your soul. If you are tired and want to give up, Jesus will heal your heart, refresh your soul, and lift you up. If you feel like death would be better than this life, start listening to the One who created you for a purpose and that significance will one day result in you agreeing with Paul, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” One day we will be in a place for eternity that has no more sickness, no more crying, no more separation, and no more pain. If you do not know any of the peace, love, or salvation that comes from Jesus Christ you can. If you are a Christian, maybe you just need to breathe. Prayer, daily bible reading, following God’s will for your life, and being part of a body of believers are how we breathe Christian.