Recently both of my parents have suffered health setbacks that are related to the ravages of time. In an instant, it seemed, both were either hospitalized or needing medical attention. With one, the outcome is a stay at a nursing home. With the other, a life of independence may be over as well. We were nearly overwhelmed except for one thing: God’s faithfulness.
Rudy GrayWe had scheduled a week of vacation. We quickly cancelled the trip and devoted the time to taking caring of more important things. It was not an easy time but it was profitable. We were exhausted but blessed in so many immeasurable ways.
I had used a statement I found somewhere in a sermon a while back. It now sits on my desk. I read it about every day, “Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry. God never blinks!” That has been very encouraging for us during these days. It is an encouragement for every child of God. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Because he is perfect, he has no need to change. Because he doesn’t change, we can have deep assurance as we journey through this life.
During the course of dealing with a number of changes, I went to the nursing home to make arrangements with the admissions director. To my surprise, she was a member of the youth group at the first church I served. I was blessed by that meeting. I was also blessed when she shared with me that one Christmas those of us who worked with the youth had given all the kids that rode the vans to church a present. Hers was a silver cross. She still had it and was planning to give it to her granddaughter when she was old enough. In the midst of a tiring and stressful time, God sent someone special into our lives to bless us. Just seeing her again and hearing that story warmed our hearts.
Time seems to pass more rapidly now than it did earlier in my life. Maybe some of you feel that same sensation. But with the passage of time, we often discover something we might have said or done that helped someone along the way to follow Christ. Those experiences do not emphasize our importance as much as they underscore God’s faithfulness. We do sow what we reap, later than we reap, and more than we reap. Through it all, God remains faithful – even when we are not.
None of us knows what the future holds. Our lives have changed rather suddenly. Honestly, my wife and I do not have any fears even when we may feel sad. Our children have been such a blessing and help to us during uncertain times. God’s people have prayed for us. Friends have helped us. In so many different ways, God has shown us again and again that he is faithful. That truth may not deliver you from change, pain, fatigue, or struggles, but it will empower you in the midst of whatever it is you experience.
More than ever, I am aware of our great sovereign God. He knows the situations of our lives. He is in control of those situations. He never leaves us. He cares about us. Our Lord is faithful. A-men.