Blessings...what do we think of when we hear this word? Nice house, family, friends, clothes, food, a job, a car, good health? What about sickness, pain, rejection, loss of job, or death? Do these words invoke thoughts of blessings in our minds? If not, they should. All of these -- nice house, sickness, etc. -- are blessings from God, whether or not we realize it or can truly appreciate it.
Whenever we experience heartache, pain, or sickness, our first and strongest reaction to God is usually a cry for deliverance. We want out of this trial/test/storm and we want out NOW!! Yesterday would have been really good! Have you ever noticed that it's during the dark times that God reveals Himself to us in ways we wouldn't have otherwise experienced? He reveals His Mercy, His Grace, and His Love to us in greater measure during these times. It's because we are more dependent upon Him during the times of storms unlike other times, whether or not we acknowledge that dependency.
For the past ten days, I have endured excruciating pain from a kidney stone. (I realize there are people who have endured far greater physical pain for a longer period of time than I have. My pain doesn't even minutely compare to theirs.) But this is my trial and my blog, so allow me to share some of the things I've learned about God during this time.
Last Saturday morning, after taking a strong pain killer at 3:00 AM that put me into a deep sleep, I awoke to the sweet overwhelming Presence of the Lord at 5:30 AM. I loved it that He woke me up to commune with Him. You see, 5:30 AM is our usual prayer time. It was also a powerful reminder that there is no place His Presence is not there, not even a drug-induced sleep. Psalm 139:7-11: "7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me."
Two days ago, while driving, the pain hit me violently and unexpectedly. It was the worst wave of excruciating pain thus far and I did not have access to my medication. I began to fervently pray and cry out to God for relief. Immediately His Presence filled the car and I felt His Love surround me unlike any other time I have ever felt Him. Did the pain cease? No. But, in that moment, I knew I could endure anything in life as long as His Presence was with me. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
This song by Laura Story entitled "Blessings" gives us a different perspective on the word. May you be blessed as you listen.
Whenever we experience heartache, pain, or sickness, our first and strongest reaction to God is usually a cry for deliverance. We want out of this trial/test/storm and we want out NOW!! Yesterday would have been really good! Have you ever noticed that it's during the dark times that God reveals Himself to us in ways we wouldn't have otherwise experienced? He reveals His Mercy, His Grace, and His Love to us in greater measure during these times. It's because we are more dependent upon Him during the times of storms unlike other times, whether or not we acknowledge that dependency.
For the past ten days, I have endured excruciating pain from a kidney stone. (I realize there are people who have endured far greater physical pain for a longer period of time than I have. My pain doesn't even minutely compare to theirs.) But this is my trial and my blog, so allow me to share some of the things I've learned about God during this time.
Last Saturday morning, after taking a strong pain killer at 3:00 AM that put me into a deep sleep, I awoke to the sweet overwhelming Presence of the Lord at 5:30 AM. I loved it that He woke me up to commune with Him. You see, 5:30 AM is our usual prayer time. It was also a powerful reminder that there is no place His Presence is not there, not even a drug-induced sleep. Psalm 139:7-11: "7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me."
Two days ago, while driving, the pain hit me violently and unexpectedly. It was the worst wave of excruciating pain thus far and I did not have access to my medication. I began to fervently pray and cry out to God for relief. Immediately His Presence filled the car and I felt His Love surround me unlike any other time I have ever felt Him. Did the pain cease? No. But, in that moment, I knew I could endure anything in life as long as His Presence was with me. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
This song by Laura Story entitled "Blessings" gives us a different perspective on the word. May you be blessed as you listen.
Note: After an unplanned surgery and an overnight hospital stay, the kidney stone was removed and I feel great! This little test was just another part of the process to prepare me for my return to India. Yes, you read it right, I am returning to India. :-)
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