Time is the new currency

I had a tremendous experience five years ago—I almost died. I know this sounds a little morbid, but I believe my happiness is not based on what happens to me but on what happens in me. I’ve learned that everyone experiences trials and tribulations. The Bible says, “‘He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’” (Matthew 5:45, NIV) 

My mentor once told me, “I don’t live with the facts of my life but the interpretation of the facts of my life.” Wow, that one truth has helped me reinterpret strokes, cancer in the family, death, and countless other trials. I firmly believe most Christians do not have the ability to reinterpret hardship or setbacks. Their faith is toxic instead of healthy. Is your faith healthy? Do you have the ability to rebound and redefine your tribulations? 

Please don’t get me wrong—bad things hurt a lot. After two strokes and a brain bleed, I lay on

my couch crying, dizzy, and very sick. I cried out to God for healing. I confessed my sin because the Bible says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) I humbly asked God for another chance to live. I needed understanding and revelation. I wanted to understand what happened to me and what I could do to get better. By the grace of God, hard work, great doctors, and care, I was healed. God is so good.

If you have a big need, know that you are not alone. I’ll pray and ask my friends to join us. You are not alone. While I was dying in the back of an ambulance, I realized that things did not really matter. People matter. God matters. My family and grandkids matter. You matter. 

To be honest with you, I only asked for one thing: more time to love those who matter to me.

You are a real miracle, and so am I. 

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you want to receive an email every day, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day. By subscribing, you will receive an E-book!