Devotional 12-6-04

Isaiah 24:1-16
Regarding: God's anger and promise of devastation of the earth for the wicked and unrighteous nonbelievers

Let me share with you a story. Early in 2002 a woman was suddenly introduced to the horrible "C" word regarding one of her regular yearly health exams. Her reaction was probably very common. Emotions came rapidly. Disbelief, denial, anger and then slow acceptance. It was a rough time. She prayed often, and she prayed hard. First for strength and guidance. Then for faith and hope. She knew she couldn't handle this alone. Shortly after learning of her illness during one of her many prayers, she made a sudden and startling decision. She opened her heart, her soul and lifted her hands with palms upward and asked Jesus to take it all from her. She would trust in His love for her to the end. She told Him, "Thy will be done" as she had learned and repeated many times in her prayers to Him. She asked for only one thing. She asked that He stay beside her all the way. He did. Every single day she felt Him with her, beside her and was miraculously lifted from her fear, depression and sadness. Her soul was soothed and her mind was clear. She knew without a doubt that He was with her and felt His presence with every step she took. Her family and friends thought she was so brave and courageous. She wasn't. She was simply free of all burdens because Jesus was handling it all for her. A time in her life that might have been remembered as sad and devastating was instead remembered as an uplifting and wonderful renewal of her faith and beliefs she had been taught all her life. She learned our lives are filled with ups and downs, changes and choices. She trusted in our Lord to take her through it all. She felt safe and secure. She talked alot about it to anyone who would listen. She truly tried to spread the word of the strength she had received through Jesus. She is still trying to spread the word today. This story is true. The woman is me. I am and will forever be thankful and grateful to my dear beloved Redeemer for being with me during my time of need. He was beside me through my walk through the valley of the shadow of death; He comforted me and brought me home. Amen

Carol Lee Bolling