Our friend
Bernadette should have died before reaching the age of 8, because of a
debilitating disease. When I met her, she just celebrated her 43rd birthday.
She uses an electric wheel chair to get around, but lives a very full life with
her husband as missionaries.
She had another
miracle happen too. While crossing a street a few years ago, her wheel chair
hit a bump in the road. This delayed her a few seconds, which ended up sparing
her from serious injury or possibly even death. A car ran a red light and she
came within inches of being hit.
In the past, I
used to grumble when things did not go as I planned. I had not yet learned to
consult God or to consider the bumps in my road as joyous occasions (Philippians
4:4-8). I soon learned, however, that God really does work out all things for
my good (Romans 8:28).
I started writing
a list every single night of five aspects of my life for which I am grateful -
even the negative issues. I meditated on my list the next day as I praised God for
His constant provision and protection over me and my family (Philippians 4:8).
This habit saved
me from the negative spiral that Satan previously caused in my soul, by
prompting my melancholy personality to focus on the negative. Now, prayer and praise
of our Creator and Lord is a perpetual habit in which I partake every moment of
the day.
When I read Psalm
91, I am assured that God will care for me through every trial. He keeps us through
all harm, and watches over our life (Psalm 121:7). Hiding under the shadow of
His wings is my favorite place to abide.
Bernadette’s
experience gave me a refresher course. Now, I always view those pesky bumps in
the road as blessings from God, instead of impediments; with seeds for a
miracle hidden in every issue I experience - good and bad.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help
me to see with the eyes of Your Spirit and to grow in gratitude for all You do
for me, in me and through me. Our intimacy with You is unmatched by any human
relationship we can ever experience. Thank you for Your presence in our life. I
may never know how You used the bumps in my road to save me from utter
destruction, but I will praise You for them anyway.
Apart from You, we
can do nothing (John 15:5). We abide in You and bear much fruit for Your glory
(John 15:8). Your Holy Spirit directs us and confirms Your truth to us through
our knowledge of Your Word, which fills our heart and directs our mind. We want
to live in the center of Your will for each moment of our days.
Thought for the
Day:
