"Up to the Challenge"

“Up to the Challenge”

About every fourth week I’m on call for off-hours emergencies as part of my responsibilities as a part-time chaplain at our local hospital. During my week on duty in March I answered eleven calls, eight involving deaths: two in which families chose to withdraw life support from terminally ill patients; a young dad who’d been kept on life support so his organs could be harvested and donated to preserve others’ lives; two school-age sisters whose motorbike was hit by a pick-up truck; two car crash victims; and a man who passed away from natural causes. (Please pray for the families impacted by these tragic events.) It was an emotionally draining seven days and I’m thankful for the prayers of God’s people and for wise counsel and support from Karen and my pastoral care colleagues at the hospital.

When I get a call like one described above I usually have no idea of the dynamics I’ll encounter when I arrive. So as I’m driving to the hospital I’m asking God for His help in dealing with whatever the circumstances might be. And in many cases the Scripture that comes to mind is, “Let us…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, emphasis added). As I shared in a previous essay, I can’t think of a time God didn’t help me minister when my presence was desired. Again and again I’m reminded of Paul’s words: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, emphasis added).

In a recent session of our Men’s Bible Study in our community one of the participants said, “God’s grace keeps pace with the situations you face.” In other words, it’s always up to the challenge. And as we ask for it it’s available. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Amen!

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan