When Second Best is Not Good Enough

 

When Second Best is Not Good Enough

 

Second best can be very satisfying

We have all seen the signs when shopping

Good, Better, Best

Typically, second best costs less than the best

There are times God gives us the best

When we are asking for second best

 

 

When Second Best is Not Good Enough

 

Second best can be very satisfying.

 

We have all seen the signs when shopping…

 

Good, Better, Best

 

Typically second best

costs less than the best.

 

A good pastor friend, whom I served

with for many years, contacted Covid.

 

He had been hospitalized and

eventually put on a ventilator.

 

It was hard to imagine this strong man

who led worship in the church with

such enthusiasm to be in this state.

 

 When I heard of his condition my heart

evidently cried out for our God, in

whom we served together, to deliver him.

 

As the days went by,

 I could not help but to think

of him and all the memories.

 

There came a time when he took a turn for the

worst and the church called for a prayer vigil.

 

That night of worship and

prayer was full of passion.

 

The passion came from a deep love

we all have for this godly man.

 

Tears of love, passionate prayers were boldly spoken.

 

I, too, was in agreement as we asked

God to heal our beloved brother.

 

As we were praying, I realized

we were asking for second best.

 

We wanted our beloved brother back.

 

 We wanted to have more time with him.

 

And see more lives helped to

find Jesus by his ministry.

 

As I thought about our request for healing…

 

I was filled with joy to see how

much we loved my friend and

wanted to have more time with him.

 

Truly, we were fulfilling God’s

command to love one another.

 

We were in the will of God as we cried

out in love for our friend in prayer.

 

As we prayed…

 

 I thought about what was better.

 

I thought if all of us who were praying

were asked if we would like to see the

second coming of Christ that night,

would we want him to come?

 

I am sure the vote would be an overwhelming…

 

 YES!

 

To be raised from the earth to be with the

Lord is better than all the things we

have in this world, both now and to come.

 

Yes, we were fighting for our loved one

 to be with us verses being with the Lord.

 

We did not want to let him go.

 

We wanted second best which is very good.

 

Paul says in Philippians…

 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

 

Yet in light of this Paul said…

 

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

for I know that through your prayers

 and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Philippians 1:18-19 

 

It was better Paul said to be with the Lord

but to continue to help others find, and grow

in the Lord would keep him here on earth.

 

A few days after the prayer vigil,

 my friend, Pastor Todd Thomas,

 went to be with the Lord.

 

I wonder if Todd had a choice to be healed

or go home to be with our Father in heaven…

 

 What would have been his choice?

 

I think if I were honest I would have

told the Lord I don’t want to go back.

 

The Lord heard our prayer for second best

and I am sure He was pleased with

our expression of love…

 

But God wanted the best!

 

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be

 away from the body and at home with the Lord.

 2 Corinthians 5:8

 

Healing, even raising from the dead, is second best.

 

The best is to be at home with the Lord.

 

This is why our sorrow also has great joy.

 

Thank you Todd Thomas for a life well lived

that caused us to love you so much that

we did not want to let you go which is far better.

 

 

Scripture Reading

 

Philippians 1:18-26 NIV

 Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.   20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.