God Had Mercy

Today's reading: Philippians 2:19-30, 3:1-3

'Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.' - Philippians 2:27 ESV

One time as I was going through a music rehearsal at church, I noticed that one of our musicians seemed troubled. This sweet lady had just recently overcome a cancer diagnosis and was healthy (and is to this day). We had prayed for her and wept with her through it. Yet she was still in tears. I had to inquire as to why. She mentioned that she didn't know why she'd been spared, and so many others hadn't. I assured her that none of us knew the answer to that question, but I did know that God apparently had more for her to do here. More songs to play. More people to reach with Christ's love. I can still see her smile through her tears.

Epaphroditus was spared, and Paul chalked it up to God having mercy (also translated as compassion) on him.

The compassion of God is expressed in so many ways. "Why?!" is the question that we may never get an answer for, but "What?!" is the one God will answer each time.

If we are spared, it is always an opportunity for us to reflect God's glory.