God is with Me

During the years that Floyd was sick and I was battling cancer, I faced some pretty big challenges......and I saw some amazing answers to prayer.  There were some big miracles - and some smaller ones, but all of them were sweet answers to prayers lifted to the Lord.

Last week I faced two big challenges.  The ramifications of one was daunting, and the challenge of the second seemed pretty impossible.  I called out to the Lord for help.  I have to confess though that my faith was wobbling.  I wondered if/and how God would be able to help me in these two unusual situations.  I asked some friends to pray, and two friends jumped in to help me - one in the US, and one here in South Africa.

The first challenge with the daunting ramifications was resolved before long - but the second one.......well, we couldn't even find a way to contact the necessary office.  Every phone call and email was a dead end.  And then miraculously, yes miraculously! someone called us.  The person had gone on a search to find our phone number.  She remembered a brief contact with Floyd and me from about 10 years ago.  She has dealt with thousands of people since then, but she remembered us.  Unbelievable!  And she offered to solve the situation.  

Within ONE day the two big challenges were resolved.  It was truly a miracle!  I was overwhelmed with God's goodness and faithfulness - and what a boost it was to my faith that God is with me as I journey on alone.  I can't even begin to explain how encouraging this was to me.  I think my heart just needed the encouragement.

Later in the day I was talking and praying with someone else who is facing some pretty big challenges.  She shared with me a testimony.  Two families were getting ready to go to Disneyland on vacation. Everyone was so excited.  They had rented a car to go together.  But when they were getting ready to leave - the car wouldn't start.  It was very discouraging.  As they pondered what to do, one of the dads felt they should all put their luggage in the car.  It seemed strange because they might have to move it to another car if this one wasn't working.  But he felt strongly, so they loaded the car - and then, amazingly, the car started up just fine.  They went on their way to Disneyland!

I've been thinking about this testimony.  Often times we face challenges - just like I have this week.  While we call out to God and say "help!" it's also so important for us to do our part - whatever that might be.  For those families, it was putting their luggage in the car to get ready to leave.  For my situation, it was making endless calls and sending lots of emails - even when none were getting through.  God was working behind the scenes, and He put on that lady's heart to reach out to us!

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God: He is the faithful God."  Deuteronomy 7:9

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

"Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."  Psalm 36:5

"Who is like you, Lord God almighty?  You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you."  Psalm 89:8

"Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures."  Psalm 119:90 

I'm so grateful that God is by my side as I journey on into the future.  He is amazingly good and faithful - working miracles on our behalf.

As I have thought about how thankful I am that He is by my side, I feel even more grateful this week as we have prepared for Floyd’s Celebration of Life.

From day 1 when Floyd got sick, I felt some specific instructions from the Lord:

·      keep my eyes continually on the Lord, not on circumstances

·      keep a heart of trust in the Lord regardless of what came my way

·      pray, pray, pray

As days became weeks, I felt more instruction came to me:

·      pace myself, this wasn't going to be a quick turnaround

·      keep hope alive in my heart

·      as a statement of faith, keep things just as they were in our home when Floyd became sick

I kept his wedding ring where he placed it on our bathroom counter.  I kept his Bible and reading material on the chest in our living room.  I kept things in our home just as they were when he got sick.  The only thing I changed was to get rid of the dog bed when his dog, Sossy, went to doggy heaven in Oct. 2018.

As weeks became months, I felt I was to continually check in with the Lord as to how to pray.  I did that almost daily.

And as months became years, I felt the Lord say to me that I had His blessing to keep asking for, believing for miracles - but that I should leave the choice up to Him.  I prayed for "healing or heaven."  I asked the Lord for a healing miracle, but I told Him I trusted Him with whatever He chose.

As we all know, God chose heaven.....and now Floyd is healed too.  He got both.  People continually ask me questions about what this journey was all about.  I have a few inklings of understanding, and yet I honestly don't think I'll fully understand this side of heaven.  But - I trust!  I trust God's wisdom and I trust how He led me on the journey.

It's been a journey unlike anything I could have ever dreamed of.  It's a journey I would have rather not gone on - and yet it's a journey I wouldn't trade for anything because of all the good that has come from it.....most especially the closeness and intimacy with the Lord.  He has been with me every hour, every minute, every second of the journey.  I am so grateful!

After 5 years, 3 months, and 6 days - I moved Floyd's wedding ring to a small container in his drawer where he kept some special things.  The "unexpected journey" was over.  Floyd was with Jesus!  God chose heaven.

I miss Floyd now more than I thought possible - especially since I'd already missed him for over 5 years.  My heart has been especially tender this week with the Celebration of Life gathering happening tomorrow.  I'm glad we can celebrate his life, and I think it will help bring closure in some ways. 

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants."  Psalm 116:15

"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.' " Revelation 14:13

I am so grateful for the Lord’s comfort and faithfulness to me.  And for the wonderful people He has placed around me to lift us up in prayer.