The Tear Catcher: Written by Lynn Mackenzie

#9

Confidence in Salvation

                The last important thing we needed to do before we went home after Bruce had told me the news was to tell our Pastor.  From my office, we phoned the church (which was just across the alley from the school).  When we reached the Office Administrator, we asked for Pastor Paul.  We were told that he wasn’t in and wasn’t expected to come in for the rest of the day.  We left a message for Pastor Paul to call.

                I no sooner had I put the key into the ignition when all Pastor Paul’s truck pulled up to the church.  I immediately called Bruce on my cell phone.  “Turn around…where ever you are.  Pastor Paul just drove up.”  I then yelled at Pastor Paul to “Wait up we need to tell you Bruce’s medical news.”

                In Pastor Paul’s office, Bruce led the conversation and I felt like I was suffocating.  The air seemed stale and thick.  It was as if the air smelled heavy and burnt.  Was I actually choking or just fighting back another round of tears?  Oh Lord, wake me up!

                I don’t really remember everything Bruce told Pastor Paul, but there is one thing that will forever resonate in my memory.  The three of us were sitting on chairs in a triangle fashion facing each other.  Pastor Paul was leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees.  He was so serious.  Concern and sadness encompassed his face.  It was almost as if he was searching for words to say to comfort Bruce and I, but no words would come.  Breaking the silence, Bruce announced to us very confidently something I’ll never forget.  He said, “I look at it this way…I win either way!  I win if God heals me physically and I’m able to stay here on earth for a while longer with my family and friends and I win if God calls me home to spend eternity with Him.  But hey, either way I WIN!”

                At that very moment, I realized that I had no reason to question or ask why.  I didn’t even have any right to complain.  God allowed this mountain to be placed smack dab in the middle of our road and it was now up to us to allow God to lead us through this journey – because, no matter which way this turns out, we all win for those who are belong to Christ.  Can you say that?

 

 Dear God:

Thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ who paid the price of my sins.  It is through Jesus Christ that I now can declare my freedom to win either way.  For to live is to live for You.  To die is to be with You.

 

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

                                                                                                                                – Phil. 1:21