Sunday September 11, 2005 September 11, 2005
God makes all things new! At the beginning of this “new year” I had a long struggle with surgery, complications and a very long recovery time. On the very day that I first went to the emergency room , not knowing the hard road ahead, God told me to take this verse with me. It was on my kitchen inspirational calendar. Tearing it off, I jammed it in the pocket of my long wool winter coat, not knowing how significant it would become to me.
“And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I WILL MAKE darkness into light before them and RUGGED PLACES INTO PLAINS. These are the things I will do and I will not leave them undone.” Isaiah 42:16
I was the ‘blind’ one going into the hospital, going down a path I surely did not know. But- He guided me. He made darkness into light and gradually has turned the hard rough RUGGED journey into a smooth flat PLAIN .
Today I saw so clearly how my journey has gone from the ‘rugged places’ and has turned into a nice smooth flat ‘ plain’. I was sitting in a baby shower for my daughter Jenny who is expecting her little Becca in about a month. As I watched her smiling, laughing and holding up one darling baby outfit after another, my heart was so full of gratitude to the Lord . He has taken me through this difficult past seven months, leading me by the hand at every step. Not only did I enjoy the baby shower and helping Jenny unpack each little treasured gift away in the baby’s dresser, BUT tonight we found out that we will be GRANDPARENTS again in April !! Oldest son, Mike and Lisa, are having a baby then. 4 new grandbabies in 14 months. God is good.
I love what Charles Stanley says about adversity and trusting God. He says that when we face trials we try to find a way to change our circumstances. We try to plan a quick way through the difficulty. “But God is our Keeper. He watches over us with great care, and His eyesight is not limited to the moment. He knows the way behind and before us. Nothing that comes our way is a surprise to the Lord. Go forward with Him ,even though you do not understand His leading. ” I LOVE this that Dr. Stanley says- “He only leads you along paths that He has prepared for you. ” Remember, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous, and not to tremble or be dismayed, as the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! (Joshua 1:9) God knows what is ahead and He is with each of us every step of the way. “Whatever you face, He will provide the strength to emerge as a victor.”