Moment in the Word

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my counsels are not as your counsels, nor are my ways as your ways, saith the Lord. But as the heaven is distant from the earth, so is my way distant from your ways, and your thoughts from my mind. (Greek Septuagint)

 

Recently, I was reminded of a friend who endured a great physical trial of her faith, but prevailed because of God's faithfulness.

About six years ago, the lady suffered a horrific stroke or aneurysm and was not expected to live. Since she and I had taught together for years, I felt obligated to visit her at a regional hospital, but without knowing if the lady was even conscious, I had no idea what to say or even how to pray. Her trauma was so horrific that any possible solution seemed completely beyond human reach. If the remedy was left to man's ability, the solution was hopeless... except for Amazing Grace

Driving one hundred miles to see Glenda, I wrestled with the Almighty every inch of the way, "Heavenly Father, what do You want me to say? How do You want me to pray?" But God was absolutely silent!

Exasperated, afraid, and discouraged, I parked at Springfield Mercy and opened my car door. In that very instant, God spoke to my heart and said, "Edwin, this is what I want you to tell Glenda! 'Because My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways the same as your ways, you will not understand right now what I am doing (Isaiah 55:8-9). Nevertheless, ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love Me, to those who are the called according to MY PURPOSE (Romans 8:28). Do not be afraid or discouraged... for this battle is not yours, but Mine (2 Chronicles 20:15). So just as King Jehoshaphat consulted the people and then appointed men to sing to Me and to praise Me for the splendor of My holiness, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever...  in that same way, you are to magnify my name like Israel did when they went to meet My enemies. But remember that as they began to sing and praise Me, I set traps for the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were ALL defeated (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). And just as I did for my children of Israel, I will also do for you!'"

Satisfied that I had heard God speak, I confidently entered the hospital on my way to Glenda's room. As I approached her door, several family members gathered in the hallway. I had no idea what I would find, but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I was carrying God's powerful Word... and like rain that comes down, or snow, from heaven, which does not return until it has saturated the earth, making plants bring forth, bud, and give seed to the sower or bread for food... so would His divine Word be. "Whatever shall proceed out of My mouth, it shall by no means turn back, until all the things which I have willed shall be accomplished." Isaiah 55:10-11, Greek Septuagint

Inside the room, Glenda was awake but confused, and her son sat nearby! I shared the miraculous Word that God gave me, prayed a very simple prayer, and quickly left... allowing Almighty God to do the rest. And true to the same glorious Word that I received on the Springfield Mercy parking lot, our Heavenly Father did great things in Glenda's life and in the lives of her family members, but even now... His work continues to flourish long after her unexplained recovery!

Thus, since God accomplishes His will in our lives through the events and situations that we often do not understand, we are simply left to praise His precious magnificent name and confidently trust Him to do the rest.

Like St. Paul, we can assuredly say, "For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." 2 Timothy 1:13 So, whether the day ahead brings trouble or blessing, we still trust God in either circumstance to keep us for the execution of His perfect will and for the sake of His most excellent glory. Amen!