Recently I was honored to be involved with the funeral services of a very fine lady who had lived for over 90 years and now is with our Lord in heaven. When asking the family about anything they would like to have shared (stories, quotes, etc.) one family member said that one thing his mother said that he had learned from was “that sometimes we may not have anything, but God makes sure we have everything we need.”

I have mulled this phrase over and over at various points in the past few weeks since the funeral. I would imagine that a woman who lived through the Great Depression, multiple wars, the passing of her husband, outliving many friends and family members, at points she had to feel that she had nothing, yet she was able to say she had everything she needed.

I think it is easy for us to be thankful and optimistic when we have everything we want. When the job is right, the car is nice, the house is warm, and the refrigerator is full, it must be easy to say “I am thankful.” In many ways we would say I have everything I need.

But then there is that recognition, that awareness that comes when the refrigerator is not full, the unemployment line is ahead of us, our relationship is on the rocks, and we say, “I have nothing.” In those moments we may say “I don’t have anything.” However, that is our interpretation, that is the way we see it from our human viewpoint. It is the way we see it based on what the world has taught us. I wonder if we took the time to talk with God during those times if He would reveal to us what we don’t or can’t see?

Many people overlook having good health, while others long to be healthy. Many people overlook the love they have from friends and family, while there are vast numbers of lonely people with broken hearts in the world. Many people go hungry and would be thankful for what little food others may have in their cabinets. More importantly, and I think this fine lady who had lived past 90 plus years of life on this earth knew, we have eternal peace, eternal salvation and eternal abundance of life waiting if we have Christ as savior.

I have all that I need if I have Christ as my Lord. I have security, hope, love, grace, mercy, and the promise of eternal health and wellness where all of my needs will all be met forever and ever. That promise is what comforts me and it reminds me that sometimes I may not have anything, but God has given me everything I need. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16- 18)

REV. BARRY VASSAR can be reached at fitzgeraldmemorial@ gmail.com