How much time in a day do we spend on memories? Dwelling on our memories can catapult a person into a mire of sadness and halt all forward progress we might look forward to in a day. Sometimes focusing on certain memories can trigger a downward spiral into depression which can lead to even more problems.
But the right kinds of memories can encourage, lift up, and increase faith. Many times I have heard it said, "The mind is the battlefield". I believe it. We must choose carefully what we allow to linger in our minds.
Scripture often tells us to remember the things God has done for us. When I meditate on times in the past when God has clearly spoken to me, or definitely acted on my behalf, my faith is easily strengthened and actually grows. In this way, I am responsible for the condition of my faith (even though I know that it is a gift from God). It becomes easier to detect the whispers of doubt that come from my spiritual enemies, and reject them as lies.
If you have Parkinson's Disease, you are limited in what you can do, and you are not as physically active as you once were. In my case, this leads to an ever more active mind, so I must take charge of my mind and be careful not to allow the wrong kinds of thoughts in. Proverbs 23:7 tells us about man: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is."
Don't let your mind wander without direction. No matter the condition of your body - no matter what you are not able to do - THIS you CAN do: discern whether your thoughts are good or bad and allow only memories that will increase your faith and move you forward.
The choice is yours. Do you want to have a healthy faith?
Showing posts with label living with parkinson's disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living with parkinson's disease. Show all posts
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
On the Cross With Jesus
This world we live in is a stressful place. There is evil, greed, and every kind of selfishness. Danger is always present. But we can also find light, kindness, goodness, and people who are willing to share.
We have no control over the actions of other people, so we can't control the amount of stress around us that we have to deal with. I find that trying to find that place where stress is non-existant is a waste of time. A better thing to concentrate on is facing my problems, my fears, and my insufficiency and learning what to do with them.
I don't think I'll ever reach the place where there is no fear. At least not on this earth. Having Parkinson's Disease brings up all kinds of fears. I can't help that. But rather than trying to battle them in my own humaness, hoping against hope for a reprieve, I can put those fears where they belong - at the feet of Jesus.
To do this, I must first identify and face these fears. It won't help to try and forget them or pretend they are not there. Running from them will only wear you out. Once I have identified them, then I mourn, and cry and grieve in the presence of God. Tell Him all about your agony. You can even go to God with your anger. Then admit your powerlessness over these things you fear. Our struggle to maintain control is nothing more than a mirage.
It actually gets simple at this point. I didn't say "easy". But we now trust God to do as He pleases, believing that He is a loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God who works out His purposes in every day He gives us.
I remember as I struggled through this process (it will take longer for some than others), giving up my own hopes and dreams for this life, I told Him in all sincerity, that if there were any other place in the world I could go, that's where I would be. But I had exhausted all other possibilities. I found myself on the cross with Jesus. My old self had to die with all of my old dreams, desires, and plans. I did not choose it to be so, but this is where I found myself.
It was agonizing - letting go of my cherished hopes and dreams. But Jesus knew exactly what I was going through. In the Garden of Gethsemene, He too struggled with the impending reality of the cross. He asked the Father 3 times to "let this cup pass" yet when He did not receive the answer He so desperately desired, with resignation He faced death.....death on a cross.
When the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease comes, recognize the dread of not knowing how your life will play out or how you will die. Consider that you may lose loved ones because they can't deal with your tragedy. But do it all in light of the wonderful reality that He will never leave you or forsake you ("He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5). He will never ask you to do what He hasn't done before. And know that your life will be what He has planned it will be ahead of time. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Now I can truly say with Paul and Timothy in Philippians 3:8 - "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ." Trust Him, dear ones. You will not be disappointed. Trust and wait.........
We have no control over the actions of other people, so we can't control the amount of stress around us that we have to deal with. I find that trying to find that place where stress is non-existant is a waste of time. A better thing to concentrate on is facing my problems, my fears, and my insufficiency and learning what to do with them.
I don't think I'll ever reach the place where there is no fear. At least not on this earth. Having Parkinson's Disease brings up all kinds of fears. I can't help that. But rather than trying to battle them in my own humaness, hoping against hope for a reprieve, I can put those fears where they belong - at the feet of Jesus.
To do this, I must first identify and face these fears. It won't help to try and forget them or pretend they are not there. Running from them will only wear you out. Once I have identified them, then I mourn, and cry and grieve in the presence of God. Tell Him all about your agony. You can even go to God with your anger. Then admit your powerlessness over these things you fear. Our struggle to maintain control is nothing more than a mirage.
It actually gets simple at this point. I didn't say "easy". But we now trust God to do as He pleases, believing that He is a loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God who works out His purposes in every day He gives us.
I remember as I struggled through this process (it will take longer for some than others), giving up my own hopes and dreams for this life, I told Him in all sincerity, that if there were any other place in the world I could go, that's where I would be. But I had exhausted all other possibilities. I found myself on the cross with Jesus. My old self had to die with all of my old dreams, desires, and plans. I did not choose it to be so, but this is where I found myself.
It was agonizing - letting go of my cherished hopes and dreams. But Jesus knew exactly what I was going through. In the Garden of Gethsemene, He too struggled with the impending reality of the cross. He asked the Father 3 times to "let this cup pass" yet when He did not receive the answer He so desperately desired, with resignation He faced death.....death on a cross.
When the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease comes, recognize the dread of not knowing how your life will play out or how you will die. Consider that you may lose loved ones because they can't deal with your tragedy. But do it all in light of the wonderful reality that He will never leave you or forsake you ("He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5). He will never ask you to do what He hasn't done before. And know that your life will be what He has planned it will be ahead of time. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Now I can truly say with Paul and Timothy in Philippians 3:8 - "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ." Trust Him, dear ones. You will not be disappointed. Trust and wait.........
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Weakness and Winks or Power and Love
I'm having a quiet day today. My thoughts are uninterrupted and I am trying to listen to what the Spirit has to say.
I want to talk about a side of God that we don't normally mention. I find that most people like to think of Him as a warm, fuzzy, positive presence. We like to think of His angels sent to protect us. We believe that God wants us to be happy and without suffering and without pain - ever. I think many of us see Him as a benevolent Presence that either does not have the power to really change much, or does not care to. This is a God Who is weak. He wishes that we would obey His commandments, but winks at us or shrugs His shoulders when we don't. We tend to think He does not punish rebellion or disobedience. We just aren't that concerned with comitting a sin here and a sin there because we know He will forgive.
Think about this. Take a moment to ask yourself if any of this sounds familiar. Ask God to show you if these ideas are like some of your own. Then listen for His answer. Really listen. Your life may depend on it. Matthew 13:14-15 says this: "You will keep on hearing but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull. And with their ears they scarcely hear. And they have closed their eyes lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I should heal them." These are the words of Jesus.
Louie Giglio says that God is big - really really big, and FEROCIOUS and POWERFUL. Also loving. Genesis 1 tells us that God designed and created the universe and the earth and everything on it. (What kind of power would that take?)
He HATES sin (not dislikes or overlooks). The Bible is very clear that He is not nuetral or half-hearted about sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet swift in running to do evil, a false witness who lies with every breath, and him who sows strife among brothers."
Sin brings death, and God is all about life. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Would you - as a loving parent be tolerant of cancer or some gross deadly deformity in your child's life? Certainly not! And neither is God tolerant of sin in a person's life, because it results in death - eternal separation from Him. Hell, is the finished product of sin. God doesn't just send people to Hell. They wind up there because sin has them in Hell's grip. Unless a person receives the gift of cleansing and is delivered from sin and death by God's Son - Jesus Christ - he will have no hope of being saved. Because we are born tainted in a tainted world we are not clean - we are full of sin.
You may be thinking, "But I'm a pretty good person. I don't sin." However the Bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Indeed we are born in sin. It is attached to us with chains that cannot be broken with human hands alone. In God's fierce love for us He came up with a way to free us and be with us, and keep us from death and darkness.
God is love. He has such incredibly deep and abiding love for you, and for me, that He gave His Son . "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:17-18). Did you get that? God doesn't condemn, but we are condemned already. God is fearless and will go to any length to save you. Indeed He already has.
Would a weak dispassionate God who winks at sin do all this??? Ask God Who He really is. Respectfully ask. Whoever He is, He is greater than mere man
I want to talk about a side of God that we don't normally mention. I find that most people like to think of Him as a warm, fuzzy, positive presence. We like to think of His angels sent to protect us. We believe that God wants us to be happy and without suffering and without pain - ever. I think many of us see Him as a benevolent Presence that either does not have the power to really change much, or does not care to. This is a God Who is weak. He wishes that we would obey His commandments, but winks at us or shrugs His shoulders when we don't. We tend to think He does not punish rebellion or disobedience. We just aren't that concerned with comitting a sin here and a sin there because we know He will forgive.
Think about this. Take a moment to ask yourself if any of this sounds familiar. Ask God to show you if these ideas are like some of your own. Then listen for His answer. Really listen. Your life may depend on it. Matthew 13:14-15 says this: "You will keep on hearing but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull. And with their ears they scarcely hear. And they have closed their eyes lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I should heal them." These are the words of Jesus.
Louie Giglio says that God is big - really really big, and FEROCIOUS and POWERFUL. Also loving. Genesis 1 tells us that God designed and created the universe and the earth and everything on it. (What kind of power would that take?)
He HATES sin (not dislikes or overlooks). The Bible is very clear that He is not nuetral or half-hearted about sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet swift in running to do evil, a false witness who lies with every breath, and him who sows strife among brothers."
Sin brings death, and God is all about life. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Would you - as a loving parent be tolerant of cancer or some gross deadly deformity in your child's life? Certainly not! And neither is God tolerant of sin in a person's life, because it results in death - eternal separation from Him. Hell, is the finished product of sin. God doesn't just send people to Hell. They wind up there because sin has them in Hell's grip. Unless a person receives the gift of cleansing and is delivered from sin and death by God's Son - Jesus Christ - he will have no hope of being saved. Because we are born tainted in a tainted world we are not clean - we are full of sin.
You may be thinking, "But I'm a pretty good person. I don't sin." However the Bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Indeed we are born in sin. It is attached to us with chains that cannot be broken with human hands alone. In God's fierce love for us He came up with a way to free us and be with us, and keep us from death and darkness.
God is love. He has such incredibly deep and abiding love for you, and for me, that He gave His Son . "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:17-18). Did you get that? God doesn't condemn, but we are condemned already. God is fearless and will go to any length to save you. Indeed He already has.
Would a weak dispassionate God who winks at sin do all this??? Ask God Who He really is. Respectfully ask. Whoever He is, He is greater than mere man
Sunday, July 8, 2012
A Prayer to Start the Day
Lord, in the darkness of early morning, the possibilities of my day stretch out before me. With trepidition I venture into the possibilites of this day as if they were patches of fog in a valley untraveled. Already I am perplexed as to which way to go or what to do... so here I am - before your throne - in the presence of my King and my Father.
Please lead me through this day of endless options. I don't know what I will face, so I am afraid. This is not becoming to a child of the King. I give You my fear, and You give me Your courage. On this morning, I give you my weakness and You replace it with Your strength. My sin for your righteousness. Anxiety for Shalom....
I'm putting myself into Your own dear hands. Guide me, protect me, and use me to Your glory. I will hope in the good end of this day and believe that You have grown my faith and excercised it in the face of darkness and the unknown.
Together we are prepared. Today we will move forward - You and I. Thank you for hearing. I love You so....
Please lead me through this day of endless options. I don't know what I will face, so I am afraid. This is not becoming to a child of the King. I give You my fear, and You give me Your courage. On this morning, I give you my weakness and You replace it with Your strength. My sin for your righteousness. Anxiety for Shalom....
I'm putting myself into Your own dear hands. Guide me, protect me, and use me to Your glory. I will hope in the good end of this day and believe that You have grown my faith and excercised it in the face of darkness and the unknown.
Together we are prepared. Today we will move forward - You and I. Thank you for hearing. I love You so....
Monday, June 4, 2012
Cool and Cloudy
Today is unseasonably cool. It's cloudy with temperatures in the 60s. Definitely sweater weather! This is not my idea of a typical June day.
Emotions are sort of like the weather. One day you are hot only to be cool the next. Our comfort levels change as circumstances outside of our control may be all over the map. In other words, we are directly affected by the "weather" around us and we have no control over what may come.
Certainly, for people with PD we are faced with new problems, new circumstances and unforseen events every day. It can be more than we can handle at times. So how do we stay steady and remain grounded in an unpredictable climate? I do it through my relationship to Jesus. If I didn't know that He is all powerful and loving I know I wouldn't make it through my crazy days! I know that He has all knowlege and that He is merciful and forgiving. I may not understand the why of what He does, but I don't have to. Knowing who He is will be enough.
When the weather turns bad suddenly, I know He is my shelter. I trust Him to know what I don't, and I trust Him to be who He says He is. Read your Bible today.......... You'll learn something new about Him. It's all there - in the Bible.......... The answers....
Emotions are sort of like the weather. One day you are hot only to be cool the next. Our comfort levels change as circumstances outside of our control may be all over the map. In other words, we are directly affected by the "weather" around us and we have no control over what may come.
Certainly, for people with PD we are faced with new problems, new circumstances and unforseen events every day. It can be more than we can handle at times. So how do we stay steady and remain grounded in an unpredictable climate? I do it through my relationship to Jesus. If I didn't know that He is all powerful and loving I know I wouldn't make it through my crazy days! I know that He has all knowlege and that He is merciful and forgiving. I may not understand the why of what He does, but I don't have to. Knowing who He is will be enough.
When the weather turns bad suddenly, I know He is my shelter. I trust Him to know what I don't, and I trust Him to be who He says He is. Read your Bible today.......... You'll learn something new about Him. It's all there - in the Bible.......... The answers....
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Your Unique Gift
I was going through my paintings and I decided that I would donate a number of them (copies) to our church. As I went through them I reflected back to the time when I painted each one. I was amazed at the detailed work I have been able to do. My husband used to watch me as I painted and he marveled at how my hands grew steadier as I painted delicate details, like eyelashes....
We are all different. We all have some kind of a handicap, and we all have unique giftings from God. Nobody really fits a set pattern, because we are all different. In my case, art has been one of my gifts, but I am challenged with Parkinson's Disease. So what does God do? He gives me quiet hands that grow steadier as they are called upon to paint tiny details. Whoever heard of a person with PD who paints detailed miniatures? Did I have tremors? Yes, but when I painted they seemed to go away.
God enabled me to do what He wanted me to do. And He will do the same for you. Fate or random chance does not decide what I can or cannot do. It is God who decides. He has a plan for each one, and no two plans are the same. Take time to really thank Him for what He has enabled you to do. Thank Him for the joy it brings to you and to others. You are a joy to Him!
We are all different. We all have some kind of a handicap, and we all have unique giftings from God. Nobody really fits a set pattern, because we are all different. In my case, art has been one of my gifts, but I am challenged with Parkinson's Disease. So what does God do? He gives me quiet hands that grow steadier as they are called upon to paint tiny details. Whoever heard of a person with PD who paints detailed miniatures? Did I have tremors? Yes, but when I painted they seemed to go away.
God enabled me to do what He wanted me to do. And He will do the same for you. Fate or random chance does not decide what I can or cannot do. It is God who decides. He has a plan for each one, and no two plans are the same. Take time to really thank Him for what He has enabled you to do. Thank Him for the joy it brings to you and to others. You are a joy to Him!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Autobiography - the Final - Nine
I cannot even begin to describe the joy that rose up in me after the surgery. God had given me the answer to my prayers. Through technology He had done the impossible. Through the doctors that He chose, He worked a miracle in my life! Through the brilliant minds that He gave them, and the hands He instilled with skill, came the dream I had so long hoped and prayed for. I was overwhelmed with a sense of His tender love for me.
God has been with me through every step of my life including the Valley of Parkinson's Disease. He listened to my cries for help and healing. It is through Him that healing has come. Truly He is the God for whom nothing is too hard. I am so grateful. If I had not been living in New York, near to doctors who perform the surgery it wouldn't have happened. My symptoms just "happened" to be the very ones that the surgery corrects. It is not helpful to all people. God had planned my life so that I would be where He wanted me and when so He might be glorified. I rembered the verse He had given me years before: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified by it." (John 11:4)
Today, I enjoy moving around without discomfort and going where I choose and when I choose. My body is no longer my prison. Praise to His name!
God has been with me through every step of my life including the Valley of Parkinson's Disease. He listened to my cries for help and healing. It is through Him that healing has come. Truly He is the God for whom nothing is too hard. I am so grateful. If I had not been living in New York, near to doctors who perform the surgery it wouldn't have happened. My symptoms just "happened" to be the very ones that the surgery corrects. It is not helpful to all people. God had planned my life so that I would be where He wanted me and when so He might be glorified. I rembered the verse He had given me years before: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified by it." (John 11:4)
Today, I enjoy moving around without discomfort and going where I choose and when I choose. My body is no longer my prison. Praise to His name!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Autobiography - Eight
I wrote in my journal what it was like:
My Body - the Prison
I am heavy. There is a delay between the thought, "I'll get out of bed," and actually doing it. My mind says, "Do it!" but this body resists the command. Grudgingly and lacking grace - slowly - I arise. Feeling drained of strength, I force my way into the day, but the smallest part of morning ritual becomes exhausting. I am stuck in a fog of frustration, as one by one I give up my ideas of what to do and how.
Today, my body is the boss. I am not free to decide what to do or where to go, or even IF I do go, because my body is the boss. Before this disease I am forced to my knees in a posture of shame.... A rounded back (once straight), slumping shoulders and tremors here and there. I am rudely forced to serve this disease. I hate this disease.
Every gift I possess is challenged. It becomes more costly to give the world what I can. Today I'm having trouble writing and I can't work on art. But it's my heart to teach. Yet, I find it is difficult to speak and breathe, so I'm quieter.
I long to be free...freed from this prison and these chains. To embrace the ordinary - this is what I want. How good it would feel to walk without effort and move as if it were an art... to speak without thinking of how to form each word. to forget the ache in my joints; to be strong and not think about strength.
I want the millions of tiny things most people never think about that make up a day.... There is one thing, however, that still is all mine. It's my will. I choose which thoughts to entertain and I decide I want joy with wisdom and love. I will long for freedom from this terrible disease and hope for healing to come. I believe miracles really do happen and I believe in the Miracle Worker Who loves me.
Please heal me. Come set me free. I grow so weary in the wait.
My Body - the Prison
I am heavy. There is a delay between the thought, "I'll get out of bed," and actually doing it. My mind says, "Do it!" but this body resists the command. Grudgingly and lacking grace - slowly - I arise. Feeling drained of strength, I force my way into the day, but the smallest part of morning ritual becomes exhausting. I am stuck in a fog of frustration, as one by one I give up my ideas of what to do and how.
Today, my body is the boss. I am not free to decide what to do or where to go, or even IF I do go, because my body is the boss. Before this disease I am forced to my knees in a posture of shame.... A rounded back (once straight), slumping shoulders and tremors here and there. I am rudely forced to serve this disease. I hate this disease.
Every gift I possess is challenged. It becomes more costly to give the world what I can. Today I'm having trouble writing and I can't work on art. But it's my heart to teach. Yet, I find it is difficult to speak and breathe, so I'm quieter.
I long to be free...freed from this prison and these chains. To embrace the ordinary - this is what I want. How good it would feel to walk without effort and move as if it were an art... to speak without thinking of how to form each word. to forget the ache in my joints; to be strong and not think about strength.
I want the millions of tiny things most people never think about that make up a day.... There is one thing, however, that still is all mine. It's my will. I choose which thoughts to entertain and I decide I want joy with wisdom and love. I will long for freedom from this terrible disease and hope for healing to come. I believe miracles really do happen and I believe in the Miracle Worker Who loves me.
Please heal me. Come set me free. I grow so weary in the wait.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Autobiography - Seven
More and more things became impossible for me to do. I remember one day I was home alone and I lay on the couch singing with my praise music. That was literally all I was able to do. I thought, "I will praise You, Lord, in the only way I can, but I WILL praise You!" Eventually I told God that if this is what He wanted for me in this life, He would have to help me to bear this burden, but I was willing. I held nothing back but accepted His will for me whatever that would be. If it meant suffering in my body, then with His help, I would suffer.
At this time I began pouring through the Bible like never before. I would meditate on it and speak the truth of it to everyone around me even though I could not feel the victory. I felt so useless. I was a burden to my family. In the eyes of the world I had no value. I was a liability. Whatever strength I had left in me had finally drained out of me. I lost the will to live. I began to ask God to just let me come home. I was ready to die. All this was very stressful on my marriage, my children and my friendships. I cried to God continually, being ever aware of His Presence. I knew that He shared my agony, and yet somehow He was using me to His glory.
At this time I began pouring through the Bible like never before. I would meditate on it and speak the truth of it to everyone around me even though I could not feel the victory. I felt so useless. I was a burden to my family. In the eyes of the world I had no value. I was a liability. Whatever strength I had left in me had finally drained out of me. I lost the will to live. I began to ask God to just let me come home. I was ready to die. All this was very stressful on my marriage, my children and my friendships. I cried to God continually, being ever aware of His Presence. I knew that He shared my agony, and yet somehow He was using me to His glory.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Autobiography - Six
At about this same time, my mother underwent sudden heart surgery and afterwards suffered a massive stroke. Her death was a blow to me. My father - so dependent on her - died a few weeks later. That year I would face the death of both of my parents, the horror of September 11th, and the increase of responsibility that came with a job promotion in the next year. I worked as long as I could, but eventually it became apparent that the demands and the stress of work were more that this disease would allow.
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive and incurable disease. Without a miracle, my future looked hopeless and horrible. Outside of a miracle from God, I knew there would be nothing more than suffering, loneliness, and darkness ahead of me.
My new husband and I attended church regularly and became a part of the body of believers in a small non denominational church. I attended Bible studies (even facilitating sometimes) and grew to love the women I got to know. But within a few years, my disease had progressed to the point that I could hardly walk. I couldn't attend Bible studies or do my art any more. I was increasingly isolated as I could not drive, or even feed myself without great difficulty. It was hard to sit in a chair and type or hold the phone more than a few minutes to talk. Sometimes it was an effort just to breathe. I couldn't even turn over in bed.
People began to bring meals and send cards. There were so many people praying for me regularly. Some were even people I didn't know. I stubbornly held onto God, believing that He is a God of miracles. As more and more time went on without a healing I began to despair of ever receiving it on this earth. But my belief in God never faltered. I was heartbroken yet still believed in His love.
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive and incurable disease. Without a miracle, my future looked hopeless and horrible. Outside of a miracle from God, I knew there would be nothing more than suffering, loneliness, and darkness ahead of me.
My new husband and I attended church regularly and became a part of the body of believers in a small non denominational church. I attended Bible studies (even facilitating sometimes) and grew to love the women I got to know. But within a few years, my disease had progressed to the point that I could hardly walk. I couldn't attend Bible studies or do my art any more. I was increasingly isolated as I could not drive, or even feed myself without great difficulty. It was hard to sit in a chair and type or hold the phone more than a few minutes to talk. Sometimes it was an effort just to breathe. I couldn't even turn over in bed.
People began to bring meals and send cards. There were so many people praying for me regularly. Some were even people I didn't know. I stubbornly held onto God, believing that He is a God of miracles. As more and more time went on without a healing I began to despair of ever receiving it on this earth. But my belief in God never faltered. I was heartbroken yet still believed in His love.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Autobiography - Five
My marriage of twenty three years ended in divorce when there was nothing left within me to try and pick up the pieces or put them back together. I remarried and moved to New York. I got a job with World Vision. I could still function well enough to hold down this job. God showed His mercy and love for me in many ways. Some days I would be very weak and shakey, not able to write without great effort. I would make my way to work regardless - wondering how I was going to do what I needed to do and invariably those would be the days when the phone wouldn't ring and there would be no assignment from my boss. God's loving presence was ever with me.
Once I was away with World Vision on a staff retreat. We had meetings scheduled for several days. On the first morning I ate beakfast with everyone, then when I rose to go to the first meeting, weakness and trembling set in so I knew I had to return to my room until I felt better. I lay on my bed trying to rise every twenty minutes or so but my strength had not returned. I was so frustrated. I was crying and praying, "Heavenly Father, You gave me this wonderful job, but I can't do it because You have allowed me to have this disease that You do not heal. What do you want me to do?
I saw these words flash across my mind like a neon sign: "Romans 12:1". I said, "OK, Lord. I don't know what that verse says, but I'll look it up". Here is what I read: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."
It was with joy and sadness that I read those words. Joy, because God had heard me and He answered me. Sadness, because He was asking me to keep on enduring. I then asked Him one more question, "What would you have me do, Lord?" The answer came back, "Pray", and do I did.
Once I was away with World Vision on a staff retreat. We had meetings scheduled for several days. On the first morning I ate beakfast with everyone, then when I rose to go to the first meeting, weakness and trembling set in so I knew I had to return to my room until I felt better. I lay on my bed trying to rise every twenty minutes or so but my strength had not returned. I was so frustrated. I was crying and praying, "Heavenly Father, You gave me this wonderful job, but I can't do it because You have allowed me to have this disease that You do not heal. What do you want me to do?
I saw these words flash across my mind like a neon sign: "Romans 12:1". I said, "OK, Lord. I don't know what that verse says, but I'll look it up". Here is what I read: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."
It was with joy and sadness that I read those words. Joy, because God had heard me and He answered me. Sadness, because He was asking me to keep on enduring. I then asked Him one more question, "What would you have me do, Lord?" The answer came back, "Pray", and do I did.
Autobiography - Four
It was in time, and ever so imperceptably that He healed my emotions and led me back to Him. In retrospect I now see that I had been hanging onto my own dreams, and doing things in my own strength. He knocked those unreliable props right out from under me and replaced them with His strength and a deepening relationship with Him that has grown to satisfy me and impower me to get through whatever comes. In His mercy, He let me fall so that He could help me see that He is really the only thing I cannot live without.
I slowly began to face my utter powerlessness against this disease. I could not wish it away, nor change it one bit. It became apparent to me that it would not adjust to me, but quite the opposite.... My life must change to accomodate this dreadful disease. It would dictate to me what I could and couldn't do. I must learn to exist in the deepening darkness of this prison of disease.
Cruel and heartless, like a hated dictator, this disease would eventually take even my dignity, not allowing me a moment's peace or respite from the pain it imposed. At times my anger flared against God, wanting to know WHY? WHAT HAVE I DONE THAT YOU WOULD LET THIS HAPPEN TO ME? You are taking EVERYTHING from me. It hurts SO bad.
I slowly began to face my utter powerlessness against this disease. I could not wish it away, nor change it one bit. It became apparent to me that it would not adjust to me, but quite the opposite.... My life must change to accomodate this dreadful disease. It would dictate to me what I could and couldn't do. I must learn to exist in the deepening darkness of this prison of disease.
Cruel and heartless, like a hated dictator, this disease would eventually take even my dignity, not allowing me a moment's peace or respite from the pain it imposed. At times my anger flared against God, wanting to know WHY? WHAT HAVE I DONE THAT YOU WOULD LET THIS HAPPEN TO ME? You are taking EVERYTHING from me. It hurts SO bad.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Autobiography - Three
This disease became a constant reality - something to be reckoned with in increasing measure. Its progress in seizing control of my body was slow but relentless. Medication offered periods of time when I could forget, but always the disease stalked me - never giving back the ground it gained.
There were other issues as well, and eventually it all became too much for me. My life had come to a painful halt; and had brought me to a place I did not know. Because of things that happened along the way, my faith in God had been shaken to the very core, leaving me in pain - in confusion - and weary through and through.
I was overwhelmed with the feeling that Jesus - who had been holding me - dropped me.... Everything I had believed was called into question. My faith was challenged. I no longer was sure of who God was.
I could no longer pray or read my Bible. I stopped going to church. I found that the only shred of my former life still within me was some tiny bit of faith that would not let me deny that there was a God. And even that bit of faith was not something I could take credit for: I knew that God had given it - allowed it to remain within me. I had reached the end of my rope and was slipping.
There were other issues as well, and eventually it all became too much for me. My life had come to a painful halt; and had brought me to a place I did not know. Because of things that happened along the way, my faith in God had been shaken to the very core, leaving me in pain - in confusion - and weary through and through.
I was overwhelmed with the feeling that Jesus - who had been holding me - dropped me.... Everything I had believed was called into question. My faith was challenged. I no longer was sure of who God was.
I could no longer pray or read my Bible. I stopped going to church. I found that the only shred of my former life still within me was some tiny bit of faith that would not let me deny that there was a God. And even that bit of faith was not something I could take credit for: I knew that God had given it - allowed it to remain within me. I had reached the end of my rope and was slipping.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Autobiography - Two
In the beginning it all seemed somewhat distant and disconnected from me. I took the news calmly, and continued my hectic pace in a busy world. My symptoms were held in check with medication. Believing that God is a God who is not the author of evil, but who does bring beauty from the ashes. I began to say, "This is for the glory of God."
I prayed regularly that God would heal me. I recall one morning I got up early, made a fire, and curled up in a big wing-back chair facing the hearth. I began my quiet time with prayer, asking God to heal me, as I so often did. Then I openned my Bible so that I could begin my daily devotion where I had left off the day before. I read, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it." (John 11:4)
God had spoken to me! I now had the sure hope that God's eye was on me and that He would not leave me sick and broken. I also knew that I must be patient in waiting for Him to heal me.
I prayed regularly that God would heal me. I recall one morning I got up early, made a fire, and curled up in a big wing-back chair facing the hearth. I began my quiet time with prayer, asking God to heal me, as I so often did. Then I openned my Bible so that I could begin my daily devotion where I had left off the day before. I read, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it." (John 11:4)
God had spoken to me! I now had the sure hope that God's eye was on me and that He would not leave me sick and broken. I also knew that I must be patient in waiting for Him to heal me.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Autobiography - One
Today I thought I would begin to share my story with you in small increments, so let's stop time for a bit and travel backwards. I was thirty-something (I am now 58), and married with four children, living in Texas.
My life being about my family, it was easy not to think of myself or my problems, but it became obvious there was something wrong with me. At first, the slight inconvenience of a body that sometimes and in small ways did not behave as it should, was troublesome, but could quickly be packed up into a thought that I stored at the back of my mind. It was easy to ignore.
The first thing I noticed was a slight clumsiness in my left hand. Also, when I walked, my arm wasn't swinging as it should have. Clapping my hands was an effort. Before long my right hand began to feel clumsy as well. They were small things really that I couldn't do...like picking up a coin, or buttoning my shirt; but things neverless that I should have been able to do without difficulty.
So, I started going to doctors to find out what was wrong. They tested for MS, for copper in my eyes, for pinched nerves in my neck and other things. For a year and a half, no one could diagnose my problem.
Finally, I was sent to a noted neurologist at Columbia University in New York city and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I took this news in quietly but it all seemed unreal to me. I had always been healthy, strong and physically fit. Now all of that was to change..............
My life being about my family, it was easy not to think of myself or my problems, but it became obvious there was something wrong with me. At first, the slight inconvenience of a body that sometimes and in small ways did not behave as it should, was troublesome, but could quickly be packed up into a thought that I stored at the back of my mind. It was easy to ignore.
The first thing I noticed was a slight clumsiness in my left hand. Also, when I walked, my arm wasn't swinging as it should have. Clapping my hands was an effort. Before long my right hand began to feel clumsy as well. They were small things really that I couldn't do...like picking up a coin, or buttoning my shirt; but things neverless that I should have been able to do without difficulty.
So, I started going to doctors to find out what was wrong. They tested for MS, for copper in my eyes, for pinched nerves in my neck and other things. For a year and a half, no one could diagnose my problem.
Finally, I was sent to a noted neurologist at Columbia University in New York city and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I took this news in quietly but it all seemed unreal to me. I had always been healthy, strong and physically fit. Now all of that was to change..............
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Give God His Due
Do you ever forget to give God His due? Do you find yourself leaving prayer until the very last thing? Do you take you doctor's word about your condition and forget that there is a bigger power at work behind him?
Let's think on this for a minute. I'm a firm believer in healing through doctors, but that's only part of the story. I'm aware that an authority much bigger than a man is behind all my doctor does.
Who made my doctor and gave him the brilliant mind and the skilled hands of a surgeon that knows what to do for me? Who allowed man to discover new technologies and new drugs to treat my condition? Who directed the circumstances in my life so that I was in the right place at the right time and with the right people that healing could come through certain channels?
Do you have insurance to help pay for these medical procedures? Thank God. There are some who do not. Are you in better condition with the doctor's help than you would be without him? Thank God. Is there someone in your life who loves you despite your problems? Thank God. Are you alone and without anyone? Thank God. Wait a minute, did I read that right? Yes, because when there is no human love or help God does not leave us. He still cares for us.
Look at God's provision for the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7:
"Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.' And Elisha said to her, 'What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?' And she said, 'Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.' Then he said, 'Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels; and you shall set aside what is full.' So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. And it came about when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, 'Bring me another vessel.' And he said to her, 'There is not one vessel more.' And the oil stopped. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, 'Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.'"
God is behind every good thing in your life. He can bring good out of every bad thing in your life. Look to His hand for what you need and thank Him however He brings good into your life.
Let's think on this for a minute. I'm a firm believer in healing through doctors, but that's only part of the story. I'm aware that an authority much bigger than a man is behind all my doctor does.
Who made my doctor and gave him the brilliant mind and the skilled hands of a surgeon that knows what to do for me? Who allowed man to discover new technologies and new drugs to treat my condition? Who directed the circumstances in my life so that I was in the right place at the right time and with the right people that healing could come through certain channels?
Do you have insurance to help pay for these medical procedures? Thank God. There are some who do not. Are you in better condition with the doctor's help than you would be without him? Thank God. Is there someone in your life who loves you despite your problems? Thank God. Are you alone and without anyone? Thank God. Wait a minute, did I read that right? Yes, because when there is no human love or help God does not leave us. He still cares for us.
Look at God's provision for the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7:
"Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.' And Elisha said to her, 'What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?' And she said, 'Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.' Then he said, 'Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels; and you shall set aside what is full.' So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. And it came about when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, 'Bring me another vessel.' And he said to her, 'There is not one vessel more.' And the oil stopped. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, 'Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.'"
God is behind every good thing in your life. He can bring good out of every bad thing in your life. Look to His hand for what you need and thank Him however He brings good into your life.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
For You, Juju!
Whenever I think of the future, a cloud of uncertainty sails in, casting a shadow over all my thoughts. What degree of disability will I be dealing with? What will I still be able to do? Will I still have just as many friends? Or will everyone have run out of patience with me? Will I be more uncomfortable than I am now? Who will help me when I run out of strength?
Even if we could answer all of those questions, we wouldn't be able to stop the progression of this disease. We can worry 'til the cows come home, but we'll only compound our misery and probably our aches and pains too. We need to avoid this kind of stress. Easy to say!
But if we engage in worry over what we cannot control, then we have openned the door to Fear and all of its cousins - Self Pity, Despair, Hopelessness, Self-Centeredness and more.
When fearful thoughts come marching through your head, replace them with the truth. And the truth is this:
If you are a Believer in the God of the Bible and in His only Son, Jesus, then you know you belong to Him. You know He loves you. You are His, therefore He will strengthen you when your strength runs out. He will comfort you when you're broken-hearted. He will guide you when you don't know the way. When the devil goes to work on you, the Lord will contend with him. He will not forget you even when you forget him. His nail scarred hands are a constant visible reminder to Him that you are His. He decides how many days you will live on this earth and nothing can touch you unless He allows it. And if He allows it - there's a reason.
He never promised us earthly wealth and ease of living. He never said there would be no troubles. What He said was that we would never have to endure - for a single moment - ANYTHING - without Him. We will never have to go ANYWHERE without Him. He never leaves us without promises of deliverance at ANY TIME. What you don't know... HE does.
Trust Him to get you through to the end of your days. Here is His promise:
"I have bourne you from birth, carried you since the womb. Till your old age I will be the same - I will carry you until your hair is white. I have made you and I will bear you; yes, I will carry and save you." (Isaiah 46:3-4
Even if we could answer all of those questions, we wouldn't be able to stop the progression of this disease. We can worry 'til the cows come home, but we'll only compound our misery and probably our aches and pains too. We need to avoid this kind of stress. Easy to say!
But if we engage in worry over what we cannot control, then we have openned the door to Fear and all of its cousins - Self Pity, Despair, Hopelessness, Self-Centeredness and more.
When fearful thoughts come marching through your head, replace them with the truth. And the truth is this:
If you are a Believer in the God of the Bible and in His only Son, Jesus, then you know you belong to Him. You know He loves you. You are His, therefore He will strengthen you when your strength runs out. He will comfort you when you're broken-hearted. He will guide you when you don't know the way. When the devil goes to work on you, the Lord will contend with him. He will not forget you even when you forget him. His nail scarred hands are a constant visible reminder to Him that you are His. He decides how many days you will live on this earth and nothing can touch you unless He allows it. And if He allows it - there's a reason.
He never promised us earthly wealth and ease of living. He never said there would be no troubles. What He said was that we would never have to endure - for a single moment - ANYTHING - without Him. We will never have to go ANYWHERE without Him. He never leaves us without promises of deliverance at ANY TIME. What you don't know... HE does.
Trust Him to get you through to the end of your days. Here is His promise:
"I have bourne you from birth, carried you since the womb. Till your old age I will be the same - I will carry you until your hair is white. I have made you and I will bear you; yes, I will carry and save you." (Isaiah 46:3-4
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Waiting on You
Good morning! The sky is blue where I am and the temperature is almost warm compared to what is normal for this time of year. My bones and joints are so thankful for this unusual winter.
How are you, my Readers? I would love to hear from you. Tell me what pressing issues are on your heart. Sometimes it helps to share your sorrows. Sometimes it helps others to listen to your sorrows.
I'd like to try something different here. Would you let me know what you would like me to address? YOU start the conversation this morning and I will reply to you. I will wait to hear from you!
How are you, my Readers? I would love to hear from you. Tell me what pressing issues are on your heart. Sometimes it helps to share your sorrows. Sometimes it helps others to listen to your sorrows.
I'd like to try something different here. Would you let me know what you would like me to address? YOU start the conversation this morning and I will reply to you. I will wait to hear from you!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Drink It In
Do you ever start your day one step behind where you ought to be? Maybe you didn't sleep well, and you have unresolved issues on your mind. You don't know what to do, or where to go or who to talk to about them. Last night your heart was breaking and so it is this morning. You may be disappointed or hurt by a family member or someone within your circle of friends (even a Believer). Your heart and mind ache. Your body aches. You're tired and without energy.
If you have ever felt this way you are in good company. Let's consider the prayer of the psalmist. Join with us in this prayer:
Psalm 55
“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and do not hide Thyself from my supplication. Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me; and horror has overwhelmed me. And I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.
Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around her upon her walls; and iniquity and mischief are in her midst; oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. For it is not an enemy who reproaches me. Then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend. We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng....
I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me. For they are many who strive with me.....
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.... I will trust in Thee.”
You have battle fatigue, Believer. Enter His rest. Feed yourself with Scripture this morning. Concentrate on who He is (look at Jesus' words) and what He has done for you. Don't worry right now about what your part is. You are weary. Drink in His unmerited favor. Enjoy His very good gifts to you this morning. Every day with PD (or whatever your burden) has plenty of trouble. Go to Him and expect His grace, strength, and courage to settle down into you. It's what He longs to give you.
If you have ever felt this way you are in good company. Let's consider the prayer of the psalmist. Join with us in this prayer:
Psalm 55
“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and do not hide Thyself from my supplication. Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me; and horror has overwhelmed me. And I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.
Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around her upon her walls; and iniquity and mischief are in her midst; oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. For it is not an enemy who reproaches me. Then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend. We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng....
I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me. For they are many who strive with me.....
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.... I will trust in Thee.”
You have battle fatigue, Believer. Enter His rest. Feed yourself with Scripture this morning. Concentrate on who He is (look at Jesus' words) and what He has done for you. Don't worry right now about what your part is. You are weary. Drink in His unmerited favor. Enjoy His very good gifts to you this morning. Every day with PD (or whatever your burden) has plenty of trouble. Go to Him and expect His grace, strength, and courage to settle down into you. It's what He longs to give you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A Call to Prayer
Anxiety......., anger..........., fear..........., confusion......, loss of hope........ Let's be honest. We all experience these "ungodyly" feelings. When these feelings come, do you try to hide them or talk yourself out of them? Do you wonder if people will get a wrong idea of God when it's apparent that you are struggling with these feelings? After all, shouldn't a Believer have enough faith in God that we don't experience doubt or waver in our confidence in Him?
The answer, is NO. When a new day stretches before you, filled with obstacles that you cannot hurdle; when you are terrified; when you know that you must depend on someone else to tend to your basic needs; when you are bowed down with sorrow because you can't do even the simplest task; when all you want to do is cry....... be honest. Tell God about it. These feelings are indicative of a big problem. One that you don't know how to solve. But stop just a moment and think about this: these feelings are also a call to prayer. Take these heartaches to God. King David did this. He certainly didn't hide them, but in fact wrote songs about his troubles!
Today we read of his godly reaction to trouble. He didn't pretend he had no problems so he would be a better witness before the nation. He didn't believe in speaking only the positive. He let all the world see that His God is not only merciful and forgiving, but bigger than any sin David could committ. He let these emotions lead Him to prayer. See how David deals with these hurdles in his life as he cries to the Lord (Psalm 28:1):
"To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help."
Your feelings of being overwhelmed are Jesus knocking at your door. In Revelation 3:20 He puts it like this: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me". He's saying bring your troubles to Me. And when He says ,"I will come in and eat with him and he with me", He is remembering His covenant with you, Believer! Did you know that part of being in covenant with someone is that you take on their enemies and they take on yours. And when you run out of strength, mine will strengthen you.
When troubles come and overwhelming feelings knock at your door, open the door to Jesus. Let Him in. He will deal with what you cannot. Believer,He waits for you......
The answer, is NO. When a new day stretches before you, filled with obstacles that you cannot hurdle; when you are terrified; when you know that you must depend on someone else to tend to your basic needs; when you are bowed down with sorrow because you can't do even the simplest task; when all you want to do is cry....... be honest. Tell God about it. These feelings are indicative of a big problem. One that you don't know how to solve. But stop just a moment and think about this: these feelings are also a call to prayer. Take these heartaches to God. King David did this. He certainly didn't hide them, but in fact wrote songs about his troubles!
Today we read of his godly reaction to trouble. He didn't pretend he had no problems so he would be a better witness before the nation. He didn't believe in speaking only the positive. He let all the world see that His God is not only merciful and forgiving, but bigger than any sin David could committ. He let these emotions lead Him to prayer. See how David deals with these hurdles in his life as he cries to the Lord (Psalm 28:1):
"To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help."
Your feelings of being overwhelmed are Jesus knocking at your door. In Revelation 3:20 He puts it like this: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me". He's saying bring your troubles to Me. And when He says ,"I will come in and eat with him and he with me", He is remembering His covenant with you, Believer! Did you know that part of being in covenant with someone is that you take on their enemies and they take on yours. And when you run out of strength, mine will strengthen you.
When troubles come and overwhelming feelings knock at your door, open the door to Jesus. Let Him in. He will deal with what you cannot. Believer,He waits for you......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)