Have you ever been anxious for someone other than yourself or your family? Have you been burdened because you so wanted to see people to come to know Christ and keep in Him?

I used to think that if a person becomes perfectly godly, then he will be free of all anxieties and worries. That is only partly true. He will be free of anxieties concerning him! However, he will be anxious for others to come to know Christ. Like a mother who is anxious for her children to be well, the godly will be anxious for others to keep following Christ.

“And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Cor 11:28

I’m beginning to understand what that anxiety is like. Throughout the day, your faces pop into my mind and I’m praying and hoping that you will continue to walk in the Lord. It affects me deeply and even hurts me deeply when I see someone fall away. I know that whatever they are choosing, they are choosing a lesser good. There is nothing more precious than the Lord. There is nothing more enriching and joy-inducing than being in the Lord.

Think of your wedding (For singles, just use your imagination!), and the days leading up to your wedding. How much preparation did you have to do? Wasn’t it stressful, especially if you had a big wedding? But wasn’t it also filled with expectations, wonder, and joy?

That’s what this life is. We are preparing for THE wedding with our Bridegroom in Christ. And we want as many people to participate in that wedding. It can be stressful, but as long as we do not lose sight of our union with all joy-giving, pleasure-inducing Christ, we will continue. And it is that godly anxiety we should be experiencing as the Day approaches.

I’m your bridesmaid. You are the bride. My job is to present you holy and acceptable to your Bridegroom, the Christ.

Continue in the Lord.

PH