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When we were young, my sister and I often heard older people complaining about what ailed them and said, “I’m never going to be like that when I get old.”

But my sister spent most of her adult life complaining about her many ailments and died at fifty-seven. On another occasion, my heart was heavy as I prayed for a dear friend dealing with a terrible illness.

My circle is filled with friends who have cancer, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of other debilitating diseases. My constant pain from a botched back surgery twenty years ago that damaged my sciatic nerve seems minimal compared to the suffering of others.

When I focus on the brokenness of this world, I can easily fall into the abyss of despair.

The little boys from across the street knock on our door to see if my husband will come out to play hockey with them. I think of my precious granddaughter, just starting kindergarten, her two-year-old brother who is suddenly talking in full sentences, and my other almost-three-year-old kinetic grandson who climbs like a monkey on everything.

Suddenly, all the weight of my friends in need lifts, and I can breathe again.

James reminds us to consider it all joy when we face trials. Paul tells us we can glory in our sufferings which build perseverance, character, and hope. And the psalmist says our hope is in the One who suffered so we can spend eternity with our Father in heaven.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if medical science would find cures for all our ails and extend our lives without suffering? The good news is this is not our home. This is not our final destination. We are here but a short time in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s not worry about our aches and pains, what we don’t have, or how long we’ll live. Rather, let’s keep our eyes on eternity and live each day for God’s glory, no matter what we face.

Will you praise God, no matter what life brings?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)