Shaken but not Stirred
"Philosophers can debate the meaning of life, but you need a Lord who can declare the meaning of life."
-Max Lucado
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
John 17:3
Hello, everyone, this is Marie.
As always, I like to write my articles fresh, so what you read every Thursday is in line with what's happening in our family's lives. This said, it's been a challenging week.
Joey's parents have been living with us for 2 and a half years now. Late Monday evening, we called for an ambulance for Joey's dad. He suffered two strokes and an aneurism, and is currently confined at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). (I am writing this from the hospital.) Because of this, we have cancelled our trip to the Every Nation World Conference in South Africa.
My father-in-law's room at the ICU is EXACTLY the same room my son, Joseph, was placed in when he had to undergo brain surgery for multiple brain fractures years back. Out of so many hospital choices, and so many possible rooms, there we found ourselves in the same room that had carried my son and traumatised us many years ago.
"Is this a bad joke, Lord?," I thought to myself.
Our eldest son, Joseph, carries on his skull the permanent scars of 23 staples, that formed part of his surgery. His badge of courage. And God's grace.
Those of you who have seen him personally know that.
Once upon a time, Joseph was the "sick" one.
Once upon a time, he lay in that same room, hooked to machines, battling between life and death.
Once upon a time, he was a young student, single, with a future abruptly interrupted by his accident and brain injury.
What kind of future awaited our son? No words could accurately describe our emotions.
But today, Joseph walked.Joseph walked in the same room where he was unconsciously carried into 11 years ago.
He walked.
He came in confidently, and spoke to his grandfather. He blessed him and prayed for him. Now no longer a victim of unfortunate circumstance, but a victor. And there I realized that God was not being cruel by giving us crises and pain; but that God is a God of redemption.
That He can turn the saddest moments of your life into a victorious experience years down the road. That tears of grief can be turned into tears of joy and peace.
* When we are Drowning in Tears, remember that Jesus can still Walk on Water.
But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. You of little faith,' he said,' why did you doubt? And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God.
Matthew 14:30-33
God holds your future, even if your present is covered in storms. There is still more good to come to your life, and blessings to come your way.
Who would have known that Joseph would one day meet his beautiful wife, Carla, and have a 2 year old precious boy named Philip? Who would have known that they would be traveling the world over, encouraging young people to live meaningful lives for Jesus? Who would have known that he would be traveling to Capetown South Africa tomorrow, because he had a message inspired by his grandfather?
Who knows what your future has for you? Only God.
Your future WILL have yielded GODLY RESULTS if you have made a serious decision to stop living your life on your own terms, and make Jesus 100%, the Lord and Savior of your life. Never mind if the other people around you are not doing it. Never mind if you don't have all the answers now. Jesus will take care of YOU. He will take care of your present and your future, because He has already washed you clean of your sinful past.
*When you are in an ICU, remember that God Sees You!
In this series on C.O.R.E. prayer, I've been sharing how we can pray for:
C- Clarity
O-Order
R- Results (Godly Results)
E- Energy
As of this writing, we do not know what the outcome of Papa's health will be. But we are praying for Godly Results. Let God's good, pleasing, and perfect will be done. Whether he lives on this earth, he will be blessed. Whether he lives in heaven, he will be blessed! May He give us the wisdom and energy to go through the life's storms and challenges in a godly manner.
If your life is in a similar I.C.U. kind of situation, with one crises after another, remember GOD SEES YOU.
We have a Great Physician. HE heals damaged bodies, souls, and spirits. HE fixes broken hearts, homes, and lives. You are safe in his hands.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, andthey will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
John 10: 27-29
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