fullness of life in difficult circumstances

Matthew 6:31-34 'Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.'

At the beginning of July Kathryn and I had the honor of visiting our Iranian friends in Turkey. We spent 5 years serving with them before moving back to Arizona in 2020. When we were with them this summer I was struck by the way they live in obedience to this exhortation of Jesus.

My Iranian friend was put in prison in Iran for sharing the gospel and being a part of the underground church. He came to Turkey only after being threatened by the Iranian police to leave. He has been rejected asylum status by the Turkish authorities because they say, “Iran is a safe place for Christians.” A church in the states is trying to get him and his family a visa but they have been rejected twice. They live each day in Turkey with the possibility of being deported back to Iran. An yet, they live with joy, hope and a desire to love others.

My friend is not perfect but I am challenged by the way his circumstances don’t cripple him. Even with the possibility of leaving Turkey soon they have worked to learn Turkish well in order to share the gospel with those around them. They celebrate birthdays and holidays with generosity and playfulness. In the mist of so much uncertainty and difficulty they live with gratitude to Jesus, who fills them with life.

This past Sunday at church I saw a brother who I hadn’t seen for a long time. He shared about his health issues that have kept him immobile for months. He was still smiling and praising those who have been caring for him. He expressed gratitude to God even in the years of health problems.

I want to live with out anxiety about tomorrow. From my dear Iranian friends and this dear brother at church it seems to me that gratitude is the key to overcome the difficult circumstances that we all face. May God give me eyes to see His blessings in my life. May we all live in the riches of God’s grace.