My GIFT from HIM

The past few months have been incredible.  They have been BLESSED.  But, they have been filled with sickness, heartache, grieving, frustration, and longing.  I barely have had a moment to come up for air.  It truly has been one thing after another.  God has shown off for me though!  He has shown me how NOTHING can come in between us.  Nothing can separate me from His great LOVE. 

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

I have seen this verse come true for me over and over the past few months and I have been reciting it over and over.  Knowing this deep in my heart, I have seen that I don’t HAVE to sin against Him.  I simply have to choose moment-by-moment to trust Him and to RELY on His strength, and not my own.  Just because sin seems inevitable because of our sinful nature, does not mean the situation is helpless.  I have been making better and better choices the more I trust Him and the more I seek Him and know Him and love Him.  Seeking Him comes first, and the rest follows:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

My gift from Him the past few days was incredible fruit in my sweet son once again.  This time, it seems like it is here to stay for awhile…with no major backsteps.  We’ve been praying for this for so long, in such earnest…and I know many others have as well.  Thank-you for your prayers.  Prayer truly is powerful.  Also,

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.”  Galations 6:9

I am just now starting to see the harvest in my children…although there is much work left to be done!  We only have 18 years though before they move on and I want those 18 years to be FULL…full of love, discipline, and instruction…and sweet memories.  18 years is really so, so short for all the work that needs to be done.  I am thankful the Lord is working in their hearts for me ALWAYS.  I don’t have to WORRY.  I only have to trust and be faithful.  He will complete the work.  They are HIS children.  Thank-you God, for the most incredible gifts of my children.  I got to bask in love and joy with them all morning and I get to continue to do so for the rest of their lives, or as long as you ordain.

Also, concerning the crazy sicknesses that have attacked our family (all but Brian, thank the Lord he has been able to be there in a MAJOR way for us!)….I had one completely debalitating sickness (the rest have been painful and sometimes have knocked all of us off our feet (like food poisoning…once again), but this one was WEIRD) that I was really wondering how I could take care of the kids at all with Brian going into the field again for two weeks…this time with him being gone a bit more than last time…  He urged me to get seen (I am telling you we have lived at the hospital lately, so I really didn’t want to go again).  I was convinced I wouldn’t come out with anything definitive…but after trying to self-diagnose and failing…and the pain getting to the point where I could barely walk or sit down…I went.  With the help of amazing friends, I received an OUTPOURING of love and prayers and HELP!!! 

A sweet woman of God prayed specifically that morning with me over the phone that I would have an opportunity to witness to someone at the hospital…and I was really thinking I might be THE person who needed witnessing to at this point!!!…but, of course, God did provide that opportunity in a powerful way…I got to speak with a sweet young woman who had such a great love for HIM and needed to hear HIS promises once again.  We both encouraged each other and it was AMAZING.  And guess what???  I woke up the next morning feeling FINE, although with no diagnosis or meds.

I am so thankful for His miracles to me every day.  I miss my sweet husband always when he is away…but, God always comes through for Me even stronger in his absence to remind me–HE IS MY ULTIMATE PROVIDER.

I was praying the past few days that God pour out His love for me once again.  I needed to see it lately.  We’ve had the strangest things happen lately (not just sickness, but many other spiritual attacks).  We’ve had literally a few days here and there where everyone has been healthy in the past 4-6 months.  We’ve felt hard pressed, but not crushed!!!  Perplexed, but not in despair.  Persecuted, but not abandoned!   Struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8)

Somehow, I am feeling that the test is over…at least for a time.  God in His sovereignty, let these tests of our faith pass through His hand.  He’s proven enough for us.  He’s proven faithful to get us through it all.  And HE DID POUR OUT HIS LOVE.  Through wonderful friends, my children, prayers, and most of all, my sweet, sweet husband.  He has poured out his love for me and I literally experienced the touch of my Father’s love through him.

Praise to Him, the Almighty in Heaven!!!  Whether we are going through constant catastrophes or are able to have respite for a bit…HE IS ENOUGH.  More than enough!

As we were listening to Christmas music this morning, my kids and I gloried in hearing about Jesus’ upcoming birthday.  We cannot wait to celebrate the official remembrance of the Hope that came into the World.   I saw the joy that just listening to songs of praise to Him gave to us today.  Each time I put music of Him on…it lifts our souls to remember HIM.  May we be ever-cogniscent…each moment…of HIS PRESENCE and HIS KINGDOM that shall COME once again in awesome Glory on earth.