Breathing Is Highly Overrated!

In times of labored, weak, or tight breathing, I have been known to say “Breathing is highly overrated.” as an attempt to lighten the outlook. I really don’t remember if the phrase is original to me or to another friend who has myasthenia gravis. It is meant to be funny, not morbid or saddistic.

Recently, I’ve been in an illness flare-up which has given much occasion to say this phrase and has also required MUCH rest in order to function. (Considering I need 11 hours of sleep in good times, I do mean MUCH rest!) This enforced rest has given me precious time with God, a sweet time of fellowship with Him and in His Word.

My lungs have been weak due to a bit of overdoing it on my part. (Who knew that I really couldn’t physically work sixty hours in six days? oops!) When I said my trademark phrase about breathing being overrated this week, I realized, it really is! Don’t get me wrong, the past couple weeks when breathing was rough, I did what was necessary to improve it. However, I was reminded this week of a man from my church in Florida. Anytime a brother or sister in Christ would use the phrase, “I’m not feeling well today, but it is better than the alternative,” he would reply, “Really, it is better than the alternative? Isn’t Heaven better than this sin-cursed, pain-ridden world?” Hmmmm…. eternal perspective!

Here are some areas that God has reminded me not to hold too dearly this week.

Not Overrating my Pain and Trials:

Oftentimes, I put way too much emphasis on the way I feel and what I am able to do thinking that it is my right to feel good, to not be in pain. However, the Bible talks often of the suffering we will have to endure and the amazing way that God can use pain and trials in our lives.

¹⁶For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

¹⁷For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, King James Version)

Job 23:10, ” 10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 “12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 1:7 “7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

God holds our faith dear, holds souls dear. In His amazing wisdom, He knows that our pain, sacrifices, limitations, struggles will purge us, draw us closer to Him, and show others His grace and mercy. Ruth Stull said, “If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.” These friends both love the Saviour. What amazing things He can do with them, for them, and through them in this time when they realize just how precious ETERNAL life is!

Not Overrating my Abilities

Too often, we often equate our abilities with our spirituality. Many times even our service to God is based on what we feel is important or what we want to do, rather than God’s plan. We say things like, “I am involved in ministry A, B, C. I work in administration, or I am an executive.” I was reminded of that the past two weeks as I could not even do small household tasks such as dishes and am having to accept help instead of serving others. In God’s eyes, though, I did not lose any worth. He still loves me. I am still His child! And, I can still serve Him although by the world’s standards I can do very little.

1 Peter 4:11, “11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I am to minister according to my God given ability. For me, God has called me first and foremost to be a prayer warrior. What I accomplish in the way of worldly accomplishments (even down to a spotless house) does not matter. I learned this week not to think of a clean abode too highly. Will I be obedient to Him in His call to be a prayer warrior? Will I allow God’s spirit to work through me even as I am having to accept help? And, what about those who are bedridden? God has a job for them to do as well! They are to minister according to what God has given them. No matter our circumstance - invalid or pauper, we can serve our precious Saviour for eternity! We can allow Him to shine through us in spite of what is happening to us here on earth. Remember, these trials are here only for a moment.

Not Overrating my Time

As my close friend and I were holding each other accountable on our Bible study and prayer this week, we were discussing time with our Saviour each day. She mentioned how every moment is to be spent with our Saviour. Too often, we have our daily devotions and go about our day forgetting to live every moment in light of eternity and to God in the forefront.

Our time is precious, but not in the way people usually think of it. You see, our time is precious because it is so short here, so short a time to bring others to our precious Saviour, to show His love to the world.

James O. Fraser said, “My mistake has too often been that of too much haste. But it is not the people’s way to hurry, nor is it God’s way either.” So often, I have so much that I want to accomplish or see or do or experience. Instead, I should be asking God each moment, what is it that You would have me to do today, this moment! Times of rest and waiting are part of His plan!

Not Overrating my Finances

About a year ago, my close friend told me about the book called The Treasure Principle. This book was a tremendous blessing to me as it helped me realize ways to lay up treasures in Heaven financially. Through Voice of the Martyrs and Gospel for Asia, God has also changed my perspective on the material blessings that I have. (As an aside, check out my Christmas wish list.)

As we approach the holiday season, will you not overrate what we have on this earth? Will you instead invest for eternity?

So, yes. “Breathing is highly overrated.” This life here is just a small blip in the scope of eternity. Why would we want to hold on to it? Will I live today for Heavenly breath instead of earthly? Will I long today to live for the moment when I see my precious Saviour face to face and live to so as to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”