The Number of Our Days
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Floyd's condition has remained stable this week. Since day 1 of Floyd's illness I have "released" him to the Lord. I've stood by his bed and prayed release. I've spoken it over him. I've prayed it daily in my quiet times - hundreds, thousands of times. I've told Floyd that it's okay if he goes to be with Jesus - that I'll be okay. I mentioned recently in an update that before his surgery our family stood by his bed and released him to the Lord. I continue to pray for healing or heaven for him.
I had a check-up consult with my oncologist. She said that for everything I've been through and for as low as I went during my time in the hospital - I'm doing "amazingly well." That was so nice to hear!
Recently I wrote that I trust God's sovereignty that He knows the "number of our days." All I can do is release Floyd into God's loving hands, but God is the one who will take him home. Again I say that I don't understand the unexpected journey we are on, but I continually sense that God is involved in it. I doubt that I'll fully understand until I'm with the Lord in eternity. But that's okay. I trust Him with all my heart.
I know that many of you reading this can identify with what I have gone through, what I am saying. You are also caring for loved ones who are enduring a long season of illness. My heart goes out to you because I so understand. I pray for healing or heaven for your dear one. And I pray for grace and strength for you as you care for them. Walking beside our loved one as they suffer is not easy - definitely not for the faint of heart! But God walks right beside us to help us on the journey.
When God takes our loved one home, yes there will be sadness in the goodbye. But we will also be able to rejoice that our dear one is with Jesus and no longer suffering. I don't know when that day will come for Floyd. All I can do is keep releasing him into God's good, loving, and faithful hands!
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
"Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21
I've found in releasing Floyd to the Lord, it lifts the burden of his situation from my heart into God's loving care. I know God loves Floyd more than I ever can, and He'll do what's best for him.
I've just finished reading a book by Darlene Cunnigham called "Values Matter" (stories of the beliefs and values that shaped Youth With A Mission). It brought back so many memories from our 35 years of serving with YWAM. Those values are part of who we are today. I'm so grateful for the "DNA" that was imparted to us.
It's made me think of how important it is to establish the foundation stones of values in our lives. It's what helps us when we face an "unexpected journey." Those beliefs and values, along with our personal walk with the Lord, help us when we face a sudden loss, a time of suffering, a prolonged illness, or any of the other bumps in the road of life. If we don't have those foundations in place, we will not be able to withstand the uneven road as we journey along.
As I look back over the last few years and all we've faced, I'm so grateful for how God prepared me for this season by what He had built into my life. I could never have made it without those strong foundations - the solid rock of everything He had taught me. Everything that is part of who I am has helped me navigate what I've faced.
And it's never too late to learn and grow! I'm still doing that. I'm still strengthening those foundations, still learning more of God's ways, still putting my roots down deeper and deeper. It's a continual process until we step into eternity.
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24
"Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136:1-3
I am so grateful for that steadfast love! And I'm grateful for all that has been built into my life. Those foundation stones of truth have given me a secure footing for all I've walked through. God is so good and faithful!