A friend of ours recounted her experience with a short term missions team going to China in 1997 to smuggle Bibles.  One of the team members was a pastor.  As he stood in line to go through the border crossing check point into China he began to rehearse in his mind the things he had taken care of  -  just in case something happened to him on the trip. 

He recalled getting his financial house in order; having everything, all the paper work ready, for his wife in case he was imprisoned.  Then he moved on to fretting about whether he had gotten enough insurance, would his family make it O.K. without him?  Then anxiety set in as he pictured himself spending the rest of his life in a Chinese prison.  He had heard the horror stories of many ministers held and tortured. 

His turn came to show I.D. and be questioned by the border guards.  He was passed on through without any problems.  He immediately began singing in his heart and mind saying, “Hallelujah, Jesus, thank you, Father, You are so good to me!  You do all things well!”

 The Lord then spoke clearly to him saying, “Right song…wrong side!”  He instructed the pastor that the thankful heart, the peace that passes all understanding, even great joy would have been his if he had sung his song on the side of fear and the unknown, not waiting to sing it in relief as if God might not come through.

Next Monday a dear friend of mine, Vicki, is facing major surgery.  During a visit with her this weekend I could hear her working to choose the right song on the right side of this fearful and unknown medical procedure.  I am confident God will honor her with peace that passes all understanding!  She’s singing the right song on the right side!