Laced With Grace

Jim and I are both going through health issues.  I have been living with chronic pain/illness for over 25 years, with the past 10 years mostly home-bound and needing assistance in my daily life.  Now Jim is going through some serious health issues as well.  So what do you do when your main care-giver needs assistance as well?

The other day when a family member called to check to see how Jim and I are feeling, she said, “This is so depressing. You two much be devastated!”  I was a little taken back with that reaction at first, then I replied, “no way, maybe a little perplexed, but not depressed.  God is in control.  He will never allow us to go through more than we can handle.”  Although to be honest, there are moments that I think to myself, “I wish God did not trust me enough to ‘handle’ this much!”

In all seriousness, I believe in the Sovereignty of God.  That all things are under God’s rule and control, and nothing happens without His permission. God works not just some things but all things according to the guidance of His own will (Eph. 1:11). God’s purposes are all-inclusive and never thwarted (Isa. 46:11).  There is nothing that takes Him by surprise. The sovereignty of God is not only that God has the power and right to rule all things, but that He does so, continually and without exception.

A.W. Pink said it beautifully in The Sovereignty of God, Chapter 1.

“What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.”

So what do you do when the care-giver needs a care-giver?  You trust in the Sovereignty of God.  I rest assured, “… that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV)

Does the fact that Christmas is just ten days away make you cringe or even panic?  Do you have a list of things that need to be done or purchased and realize that nothing has been crossed off your list yet?

For the past five or so years I have learned not to allow these things get me down.  Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way when chronic illness crept into my life like a thief in the night robbing me of the stamina I once had in order to accomplish the things I thought I needed to get done for the Christmas season.   I have learned that my home does need to be perfectly decorated; I do not have to bake everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie, candy, or cake; or have the perfect Christmas dinner; or the perfect tree with all the special trimmings; or spend a fortune for gifts.

I’ve learned that what people really want – those closest to us – is our special attention.  We can find ourselves so busy with all the holiday trappings that we neglect the very people we claim to be doing all the fuss for.

This past Sunday afternoon I had a Women’s Christmas Tea for the ladies of our church in our home.  I not only wanted to show my love and appreciation for each of them, but I also wanted them to know that we can have a wonderful time of fellowship without all the hype and fuss.  I knew my limits as well.  Other than the usual weekly cleaning that my husband always helps me with, I did not worry that everything had to look spotless or beautifully decorated.  I decided that since it was an afternoon Tea, that the food would be simple as well.  I furnished the hot tea and sparkling punch along with a tray of freshly baked scones and mini muffins purchased from my new friend who has a lovely Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room in Pottsville, PA.  I had the ladies bring cookies for a cookie exchange using one dozen from each lady for all to share at the tea.  To make it even simpler I purchased Christmas paper plates, cups and napkins.  I did not want the focus to be on the food or a beautifully decorated table.  I wanted the focus to be on the fellowship with one another as well as the real reason for this special season – Jesus.  We had prayer and devotion; a white elephant gift exchange; Christmas Pictionary; and a great time of fellowship and laughter too.  The two hours set for the Tea flew by way too fast!

This year there will not be any homemade cookies or candies from me.  Although, those who know me are probably thankful to hear this since for some reason my cookies never turn out like they should.  My husband and I will enjoy a few Christmas gatherings with the church, some extended family members and our small but precious family (mom and our daughter Heather and family).  Knowing my physical limitations we chose carefully which gatherings we attend as well as limit the amount of time spent at each gathering so as to not overly exhaust myself .  I’ve learned that I do not have to be supper woman and do everything myself.  My daughter and grandson love to help with the Christmas preparations.

In simplifying my life I have been able to give the gift that each family member desires from me – the gift of quality time with ME.   In so doing, we can all enjoy the real reason for this special season – God’s precious Gift to each of us – Jesus

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside.”  Job 5:9,10 (NIV)

On Easter Sunday my mother had shared that when my niece Laura, (who along with her husband are missionaries with The Masters Mission serving in Masai Mara,Kenya), was talking with the Masai women about her grandmother who is 88 years old; the women started saying that her grandmother is a “miracle of God”.  My mother thought it was funny, but I told mom that she is a “miracle of God”!

Mom is not just a miracle of God because she is 88 years old (and yes, those are weights mom is lifting!); or because she has NEVER been in the hospital except to have her children; or because she is healthier than her younger siblings and even her own children.  Although those reasons in themselves are miracles!  No, my mother is a miracle of God because she is a child of God.

There is a beautiful song written by Carlton Buck and John Peterson called, “I Believe In Miracles.”

Creation shows the power of God

There’s glory all around

And those who see Him stand in awe

For miracles abound

Oh I cannot doubt the work of God

It’s plain for all to see

The miracles that He has wrought

Should lead to Calvary

Chorus:

Oh I believe in miracles

I’ve seen a soul set free

Miraculous the change in one

Redeemed through Calvary

I’ve seen the lily push its way

Up through the stubborn sod

Oh I believe in miracles

‘Cause I believe in love

The love of God, oh power divine

‘Tis wonderful to see

The miracle of grace performed

Within the heart of me

So many times when we think of “miracles” we think of Jesus turning the water into wine; or when He fed the 5,000 with 5 little loaves of bread and 2 fishes; or when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Yes, those are wondrous miracles – but, each time someone trusts the Lord as their precious Savior – a miracle transpires!  The miracle that a soul bond for hell because of the bondage of sin is miraculously set free by the love of God and His grace performed within the heart of the sinner.  (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8,9)

Sometimes I find myself overlooking the miracles that God performs on a daily basis.  As the song says, “seeing the lily push its way up through the stubborn sod”; or each time I look at a sunset; the birth of a precious baby; the robin making a nest for her little ones; or even His protection every time we go to the store.

God’s glorious miracles abound if we just open our eyes and allow ourselves to see His miraculous works that point us to His greatest miracle of all that was accomplished on Calvary for you and me!

Dear heavenly Father, help me to see Your glorious miracles every day of my life.  May I always be appreciative of the greatest miracle of all – the precious gift of Your Son on Calvary so that I may have life.   In Jesus name, amen.