I heard about a man who customarily went to church every Sunday. His wife usually went with him. However, one Sunday, he just didn't want to attend. After he turned off his alarm clock, he mentioned to his wife several reasons why he didn't want to go on this particular Sunday. For example, he was tired and needed extra sleep. Also he mentioned some of the unfavorable conditions in the church, stating, "The people aren't very friendly and no one ever talks to me". In addition, the music and the preaching were uninspiring. To make matters worse, there was also a light rain falling outside. Finally, after he mentioned all of his reservations about attending his wife replied, "Honey, I understand why you don't want to go today. However, you have to go...you're the pastor!"
Sometimes we have to do the right thing in spite of our circumstances. Being an off day from work today, I went jogging in my community. Even though I was tired from a long week of work, I commenced to running. At first, I hated it. I had to run up a rather large hill and sensed that this run would be a rather unenjoyable workout. Eventually I made it to the top of the hill in spite of my physical and mental anguish. As I continued to run, I picked up a certain rhythm and the run wasn't quite as difficult. However, the running was still tough. The weather was hot and humid. My feet hurt. I was thirsty. Nevertheless, I ultimately completed my run (roughly three miles in distance). Even though I dreaded the run at first, at the end, I was glad I had put forth the effort. I felt better about myself. I felt more healthy. I also felt less guilty when I engorged myself at a fast food restaurant afterwards with a sandwich and tater tots. So, my running, as Wilford Brimley used to say in the Quaker Oats commercial was "the right thing to do".
Jesus also did the right thing in spite of circumstances. Hebrews 12:2 states how "...Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". This wasn't easy, the Scripture attesting to how He wanted to turn back from the cross. Luke 22:42 mentions how He prayed, "...Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." But Jesus persevered, was crucified and rose again. I am so glad He ultimately did the right thing for me. My sins are washed away by His atoning sacrifice, and I have a home in heaven prepared for me.
When I was going through chemotherapy, it was extremely painful, both physically and emotionally. I was tired. I was nauseated, I was even hospitalized on several occasions. There were times when I felt I could not endure any more agony. But looking back, now that I'm cancer free, it was the right thing to do.
If you wish to know more about my cancer story and survival, check out my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer" on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
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