"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Have you ever tried to convince yourself that you were not sick? Despite your sore throat, runny nose, aching head, have you ever made a deal with yourself that if I'm not better in two days, then I'll go to the doctor?
After playing this game with myself for two weeks, I finally wove the white flag of surrender last Sunday and went to the Urgent Care. After a few minutes of taking deep breaths and sticking my tongue out, it was determined that I had an upper respiratory infection. A few clicks on the computer sent three prescriptions to CVS and within fifteen minutes, this lengthy two week medical issue was on the path of resolution.
I arrived at the prescription counter quicker than the pharmacist was able to fill my scripts, but she encouraged to have a seat because it would only take a few more minutes. As I sat there, a gentleman, looking and acting quite upset, approached the counter. In a desperate voice, he announced to the staff, "I ran out of my psychiatric medication and if I don't take it, bad things will happen. The last time I didn't take it, really bad things happened and I am so afraid that will happen again. My check doesn't come until Tuesday and I have no money but I really need that medicine. Can you please help me?"
The compassionate pharmacist encouraged him to have a seat and promised that she would look into things. It broke my heart watching him nervously pace back and forth as he waited for his turn. Wanting to help the man, I approached the register and whispered, "I will pay for that man's medication." "Are you sure?" the pharmacist responded. "I'm sure," I replied.
The pharmacist went over to the other technician and as they were whispering, my heart skipped a beat when I heard the amount of $452 mentioned! My first reaction was panic, especially when I thought about how was I going to explain this one to Ken? When the pharmacist returned to me, I have to confess that I immediately started to retract my offer. "Did I hear the amount of $452?" I tried to calmly ask. "Oh that's the price to fill the entire prescription. We'll wait to fill the entire prescription when his Medicare check arrives. Until then we're only going to give him a few pills so that will be $5.00. Is that OK?" Instantly, relief consumed my body and I gladly paid the small amount.
Driving home, the song "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns came on the radio. Listening to the lyrics about Jesus' dying on the cross for our sins and thinking about what had just transpired at CVS, caused me to become quickly embarrassed regarding the drastic contrast of my behavior in comparison to Jesus.
I was so willing to help the man in need until I found out the extent of the cost. As soon as I learned how large the price was, I immediately started to rethink my offer.
Christ loved us so much that even the tremendous cost of his life to save us from our sins did not cause any hesitation in His journey to the cross. He willingly and lovingly paid the price for our sins with His own blood so that we could have eternal life.
This Lenten season, may the insurmountable price that Jesus paid for our salvation be a powerful reminder of His great love for us!
In His love,
Mrs. Palka