Where Do You Stand?

Unless you have been in isolation camping on the backside of Mt. Hood this winter eating canned beans and trapping rabbits for dinner, then you are aware of the political hurricane about to come to shore this weekend. The House of Representatives will most likely bring to a vote (or non-vote) on the Health Care Reconciliation Bill. By everyone’s view this is a big deal…a big bill…a big cost…a big change. Regardless of where you find yourself in support or in opposition to this bill, it is a bill loaded with uncertainty, fear, hope, promises, and the scariest issue of all…change. If passed and signed into law then it will most certainly bring change to our hospitals, doctors, procedures…change to the insurance companies…change to businesses…change to individual health insurance policies…change in taxes…and change in political careers. Everyone will be affected in this change in some way at some level. That’s a big deal.

Most friends I talk with have very, VERY, strong opinions on this issue in either support or opposition with this bill, with not many sitting on the fence. There are some foundational issues that surface: trust, hope, and fear. If you support the bill and the changes you trust the Federal Govt. bureaucracy, hope for fair, universal health care coverage, and fear the status quo. If you are in opposition to the bill you do not trust the Federal Govt. bureaucracy, do not hold out hope that this is the answer to health care coverage, and fear this will further indebt our nation, and weaken our heath care system. The hurricane has landed.

As for me, I could wax eloquent for a page or two on my personal views, however, in the foundational issues of trust, hope and fear I would like to share a different perspective. I reserve 100% of my trust not in people, insurance companies, or governments, but in the Truth found in Jesus Christ. I do not hold onto hope that any Government will be able to protect, provide and meet all my needs. God alone is my provider, my sustainer, my protector. In the midst of real fears of disease, accidents, hospitalization, increased taxes and insurance premiums, or even bankruptcy, I find daily courage in the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. – Psalm 62:6 (NLT)

As a believer in Christ, I put my hope and trust in Him regardless of what is swirling in the world around me. When the hurricanes of life (tragedy, job loss, failure, uncertainty, fear, and change) whip around us and cause the ground beneath us to sink, I am encourage by the truth found in the 150 year old hymn, On Christ the Solid Rock by Edward Mote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQgD_Wg9DG4