In the past few years, I have had to learn some hard lessons. I used to be a musclebound guy with brute strength, then I got sick. I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. The more kidney function I lost, the weaker I got. It was a hard pill to swallow, going from the strongest guy in the room to needing help with almost everything. It is a humbling experience.
Fast forward a year and I went blind in my right eye as I was getting ready to train for home dialysis. Fast forward another two years and I had developed some major blood flow issues in my legs and had to have my right leg amputated below the knee. To say it was a low point is an understatement.
I dug my heels in and said I was going to trust God no matter what. In my mind, I repeated one of my favorite bible verses: Jude 24. To paraphrase, God is strong and is able to keep you from falling and can bring you into the presence of His glory with no wrong in you and give you great joy. And I remembered that it is only in the strength of Christ Jesus I am upheld.
It is amazing how God's word can refresh your soul and replenish your strength (Philippians 4:10-13).
The peace that Jesus brings to even the most turbulent times is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:4-7 and John 14:27). The peace that comes from abiding in a Holy God, even in the worst of circumstances is demonstrated in 1 Kings 19:1-12. A gentle whisper.
In our weakest moments, beneath the noise and the pain, there is a joy that keeps us from surrendering to the temptation to turn away from God. A joy that causes the paradox of strength in weakness (Nehemiah 8:10).
In our weakness, God's immense power can be seen (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9).
God is AWESOME!
10 comments:
Amen
Amen, Brother!
Mark your Journey has been trying and your steady faith inspiring. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
I am so proud of you! I love you big brother. ❤️
I love you too!
We can be broken and in the sad place not having hope, only deep despair. We cry out to Jesus and He hears our cry and feels our pain. He pulls us up when we can not do it on our own. The most amazing thing is that He does this over and over again. God is awesome!
I love you too Xoxo!
Joy…a fruit of the spirit through the power of Holy Spirit!🤍
Amen. From whom all joy comes, he holds us steady… our tears dry in his hands.
Love you Bro.! I feel ya on that one
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