People ask me this question all the time; at the grocery store, at church, at ball games and many other places. I know a lot of these questions come from people who know I’ve gone through cancer treatments and really want an update. But some, like the people at the checkout, ask that of everyone who comes through their register. Sometimes, knowing what they’re going to ask, I’ll quickly ask them first. I’m funny like that. I have a few standard answers: “I’m blessed, I’m good, God is good, I’m healed, I’m here so I’m good, If I’m out shopping, I’m good.” I want people to know God is taking care of me no matter what I’m going through.

However, some people may respond when asked this question; “Not doing good, I’m sick, I feel bad, having family problems, having a bad day or other negative responses.” If we hear this, it’s an opportunity to give them words of encouragement or pray for them. But even if these people are not good, they will often just reply, “I’m fine.” When you can tell that’s not exactly accurate.

So, how ARE we doing? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,” (Ephesians 2:10). “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” (Jeremiah 1:5). “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12). God created us, He knew us before we were born and we are in His family! How are we doing with that? There are many verses that answer this question; “By His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8) He picks us up when we fall. (Psalm 145:14) He leads us in the paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3) God is all powerful, He can do anything and we’re His child! So, how are we doing? Let’s be positive when we hear that question and share the goodness of God.

I’ll end with this thought: When we enter the Pearly Gates and Jesus asks us, “How are you doing?” What will you answer?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

I heard this lyric in a song by Steven Curtis Chapman recently that made me think: “Well, it’s my turn now, yes, it’s my turn now. My turn to give my life away.” Sometimes God will answer a prayer without any requirement on our part. But other times, He will give us instructions, commands, weapons or materials and will then say, “Here’s the things you need to solve your problem. It’s your turn now to proceed.” We love it when God does all the work for us but, like an athlete, we have to follow the direction of the coach to achieve our goal.

Some Bible examples of this are: In Luke 17:14, Jesus told the ten lepers, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” I was their turn to go. In 2 Kings 5:10, Naaman was told to: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.” It was his turn to act. In Joshua 6, God’s people were told to: “Go march seven times around Jericho.” It was their turn. God told Abraham in Genesis 12:1, “Go to a land I will show you.” It was Abraham’s turn. In Acts 1:4, Jesus told the disciples to, “wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.” It was their turn to do what Jesus had commanded them. What if they hadn’t taken their turn? In Mark 16:15 Jesus says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” It’s OUR turn now.

“IF you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). If you’re not saved, it’s your turn today. What do you need from God today? He has a plan for you and He’s laid it all out. It’s your turn now. And be sure of this, He will go with you