It was a Sunday morning in November, and my husband and I were on our way to pick up my grandmother for church. I knocked on her door and heard her say that she was unable to answer it. I called for one of the nurses at the residential facility, and asked them to open her door. I found my grandma lying up against the wall. She looked injured, and evidently, I had arrived just in time.
Grandma explained that she suddenly fell as she was getting ready to meet me. The nurse indicated that someone needed to take her to the emergency room. Without hesitating, I told her that I would insist on getting her there. She remarked, “The LORD sent you at the right time to come and help me.” This was yet another instance in my life when God chose to reveal his impeccable timing that cannot be mistaken.“He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).”
My husband and I helped her into our car, and we headed off to the hospital. When we arrived, we sat in the waiting room as we listened for her name to be called. I was amazed at how courageous she was at that moment. My grandma is a small woman; petite in height and stature. However, that has nothing to do with the size of her faith. As she sat in that waiting room, she displayed the meaning of the “mustard seed.” Like a small mustard seed, her faith was able to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). A mustard tree can grow anywhere and not be affected or altered by its surroundings. That is why Jesus proclaims, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20-21).” This was the attitude that my grandma displayed that day. She was in an emergency room, but she still grounded herself in faith. She was not altered by fear or anxiety.
My grandma's name was called, and she was instructed to go through a series of tests to see if there was any damage from the fall. After she went through a CAT scan and X-ray, she came back to her room and talked with me. She explained, “We never know what will happen to us throughout the day, but we do know that God will always be there with a way to help us.” I still admired that she was not upset about falling or having to spend the day in the hospital. Rather, she was grateful that the LORD had planned for me to find her at that given moment when she needed assistance.
Three days passed and she was able to return home. The doctors found no concerns from the fall, so she must have lost her balance. It was difficult to see her in pain, but I was so grateful to be apart of the day when I witnessed my grandma's extraordinary faith. After that day, I can say that the occurrence transformed me into a stronger believer. I am not as easily triggered by anxious or troubled emotions. I am not concerned about tragic events happening in my life, because I realize that God will have someone or something planned to assist me in time of need.
Our time in that waiting room strengthened my relationship with my grandma. More than ever, I see her as a powerful follower of Christ who will follow him all the days of her life. I make an extra effort to visit and spend time with her. I am touched that the LORD uses our time together as a way for me to become closer to Him and grow into the woman He continues to create me to be.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wash Me Clean
My grandfather, better known as Grandy, saved a little glass jar filled with water from the Jordan river. He had high hopes that one day he would be able to use it to baptize me. On July 6th, 1995, his intention became a reality. He poured the water from the Jordan river into the baptistery and gave me a blessing that will never be forgotten.
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and ourselves along with our growth in the likeness of Christ. “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this (John 11: 5)?” Baptism means that we will be able to die to ourselves in this life, and be resurrected from the dead. Jesus proclaims, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it (Luke 9:23-24).” We are given the invitation to rid ourselves of the identity of this world and clothe ourselves in Christ.
Jesus chose to be baptized because he believed “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).” Furthermore, Jesus wanted to fulfill his father's commands. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from the heaven said, this is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).”
My Grandy was overjoyed when he was able to baptize me. However, how much more was my Heavenly Father pleased with me? When we choose to give our lives to Christ, we are accepting the plan that our Father laid out for us. Baptism is a choice that you are able to accept. The offer is always open. Are you willingly to accept the invitation?
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and ourselves along with our growth in the likeness of Christ. “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this (John 11: 5)?” Baptism means that we will be able to die to ourselves in this life, and be resurrected from the dead. Jesus proclaims, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it (Luke 9:23-24).” We are given the invitation to rid ourselves of the identity of this world and clothe ourselves in Christ.
Jesus chose to be baptized because he believed “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).” Furthermore, Jesus wanted to fulfill his father's commands. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from the heaven said, this is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).”
My Grandy was overjoyed when he was able to baptize me. However, how much more was my Heavenly Father pleased with me? When we choose to give our lives to Christ, we are accepting the plan that our Father laid out for us. Baptism is a choice that you are able to accept. The offer is always open. Are you willingly to accept the invitation?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Young, Obedient Mary
A young teenage girl was greeted by the angel Gabriel, and was told she was favored by the LORD. She was informed that she would be with child. In shock, the girl was confused and in disbelief. An unexpected greeting resulted in a life altering event. This is the story of Mary.
The young girl was baffled because she had not known a man. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).” Still speechless, Gabriel reassured Mary and mentioned that her cousin Elizabeth was able to have a child in her old age, when she thought it was not possible. Thus, he encouraged Mary that she would be able to give birth at a young age despite her confusion (v.36). “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
What thoughts and fears were running through this young girl's mind? Understandably, she could have been swayed by people's opinions. However, there is no mention of Mary battling over this decision. Instead, she displayed loyalty. “I am the LORD's servant, may it be to me as you have said (Luke 1:38).”
Simultaneously, Mary was presented with a challenge and a blessing. How often do we question a trial when we are in favor with the LORD? It is easy to wonder why we must go through a challenge when we yearn for blessings. However, Mary was certain that the LORD had good things in store for her.
“My soul glorifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).” Mary did not allow the obscurity of the situation to inhibit her as a servant. How many times are we discouraged by our age, circumstance or other people's remarks when we are serving the LORD? I would say I am a fairly compassionate person, but with that comes sensitivity. However, I strive to listen to what God wants from me rather than pleasing people. How can you demonstrate your loyalty toward God? Mary is the epitome of obedience. “For He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name (Luke 1:48-49).”
The young girl was baffled because she had not known a man. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).” Still speechless, Gabriel reassured Mary and mentioned that her cousin Elizabeth was able to have a child in her old age, when she thought it was not possible. Thus, he encouraged Mary that she would be able to give birth at a young age despite her confusion (v.36). “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
What thoughts and fears were running through this young girl's mind? Understandably, she could have been swayed by people's opinions. However, there is no mention of Mary battling over this decision. Instead, she displayed loyalty. “I am the LORD's servant, may it be to me as you have said (Luke 1:38).”
Simultaneously, Mary was presented with a challenge and a blessing. How often do we question a trial when we are in favor with the LORD? It is easy to wonder why we must go through a challenge when we yearn for blessings. However, Mary was certain that the LORD had good things in store for her.
“My soul glorifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).” Mary did not allow the obscurity of the situation to inhibit her as a servant. How many times are we discouraged by our age, circumstance or other people's remarks when we are serving the LORD? I would say I am a fairly compassionate person, but with that comes sensitivity. However, I strive to listen to what God wants from me rather than pleasing people. How can you demonstrate your loyalty toward God? Mary is the epitome of obedience. “For He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name (Luke 1:48-49).”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)