standing at the crossroads, seek the will of God. No one can tell another individual how to respond to chronic illness. I don’t give advice. My desire is to simply offer hope...and faith. Hope and faith supersede medical science. God is not limited by medicine, nor is He dependent upon it.
I finally understood what the mud was all about. My decision was to go forward with treatments in peace and reclaimed assurance. All He required of me was obedience.
When Levoy returned home, he found his wife with a new mindset. My first words were, “I’m ready to get started on those treatments.”
His jaw dropped in total disbelief. He had a question: “What in the world happened to you?"
I detailed the fascinating scenario about the phone call from the Godwin’s and about my Bible being opened to the exact chapter. I also confessed my frustration with waiting on God.
Quickly, before I could rethink, I dialed the number. “Hello, my name is Nelva C. Dewey. You guys load up your biggest guns. I’m ready now.”
I thanked God for the telephone call that reminded me of a man called Jesus and a miracle that involved some mud. Jesus reached into the mud of my circumstance with His nail-scarred hands and got involved with my mud.
Life is full of contradictions. A flood is horrific, while a cool rain on a summer day is refreshing. A fierce wind is destructive, while a gentle breeze is pleasant. The same sun that melts the snow hardens the mud. The obstacle of cancer had created horrendous mud, but a cleansing pool was waiting.
The scary West Texas storms I experienced as a small child are unforgettable. The little cattle town of Lamesa was home to about 6,500 mostly good folks, built against a backdrop of open skies, with tumbleweeds blowing across the prairie. I became accustomed to the twisters that descended on the high plains and, in a strange way, I was addicted to the excitement that accompanied them. I’ve seen tornados drop out of the sky suddenly, without warning. The atmosphere would be eerily transformed beneath a black, boiling sky. No public warning system was in place to alert those in harm’s way of the dangerous weather. We sought shelter from the terror of the insidious funnels that marched their unspeakable destruction across the plains, in the safe haven of Papa’s earthen cellar across the street. I can still close my eyes and feel those worn dirt steps on my backside as I slid downward into the cool musty earth.
There have been times when dark clouds blocked the light of hope. The same storms that assail your life, assail mine. The adversary will never lie down and forget about the seeker who is following hard after God.
The more committed one becomes for the cause of Christ, the more intense the opposition.
With each advance we made in the ministry, we felt the sting of hostile winds. They blew upon us, but they did not blow us off course. We persevered through financial deficit and discouragement. Advancements were made and triumphs were celebrated in spite of the difficulties.
Victories never come without conflict. There is a place on the top of each mountain where the sun is shining. One never rises to the next level without experiencing the struggle of the climb.
Living on a mountain top, exempt from the struggles of life and its difficulties, may never happen. Yet, the sweetest flowers bloom in the deep valley shadows. Their fragrance long reminds the sojourners of God’s sustaining grace during the pressing trials.
In our travels, I’ve been awed by the fascinating palm trees along the coasts. Their flexible trunks bend down to the ground as they’re hammered by the seasonal hurricanes and cyclones. These mighty trees are extremely resilient and their leaves remain green year round. The palm trees withstand because of their deep roots. Though tossed about and brought low, they are seldom destroyed. On calm days they stand tall, proudly bearing the scars of past tempests, ready to face yet another storm.
When the storm of terminal illness struck my world, it was not possible to run to Papa’s dirt cellar. My shelter was under the wings of the Almighty. The faith that had sustained me since childhood had grown deep roots. Like those mighty palm trees, I had been conditioned to stand. My physical body and emotions would suffer a storm that I never dreamed possible one day before it hit. Somehow, I saw the next chapters of my life like the palm trees.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season.
(Psalm 1:3 - NKJV)
It takes a storm to know your strength. It also takes a storm to know your weakness.
The tree that’s planted by the water is unmovable. Truly, the water of the Word is the source of strength in my life.
By God’s grace I would rise above the storm.
| P | R | A | Y | E | R |
RISE!
The eagle spreads its mighty wings and rides upon the storm to lofty heights.
An old cliché says, “It’s impossible to fly like an eagle if you think like a turkey!” Your thoughts determine what you will accomplish in life. Your success in navigating the storms depends upon your ability to get on top of the obstacles along the way.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...
(Proverbs 23:7 - NKJV)
The bald eagle’s keen instincts warn him of the coming storm. This amazing bird, sensing peril in the atmosphere, strategically positions himself on top of the storm and allows its thrust to raise him high above the danger. He doesn’t need to struggle. The sun is always shining on top of the clouds.
The secret to rising above the storm is resting in the storm.
...those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 - NKJV)
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are in the midst of every storm. I am depending on You like never before. Forgive me for ever doubting You. I long for the time when I am safe and looking down upon the dark clouds that You brought me through. Help me soar on wings of faith to a new level. AMEN.
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