I Love You, Lord

Ephesians 1:3-6 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (NIV)

Almost two months ago we were prepared to fly home from Florida. Just the night before, I had received a phone call: "Mom, I have Jessica at Sick Children's emergency room, and I just had to talk to someone." A CAT scan had been done and they had found a mass behind her eyes. It was at that moment the world seemed to come to a halt.

"Let me know as soon as you know something concrete and we will come home."

"Oh, mom! You don't have to do that!"

A few words of comfort followed and we were off the phone. I told my husband, and went into the other room to be alone: alone with my Lord. I prayed, asking God to be with our granddaughter and her parents. I reached out to the prayer line on this page and to the e-mail prayer line of the Renewal Fellowship, barely able to find it, in the shock of the moment. It's in those first few minutes, hours, when one is so far from the situation that one feels so helpless. Our only source of help is through prayer.

The rest of the night slowly melted away into day. A chain of events took place that would take too long to explain here. Through that day as we waited for further news; I mentally prepared myself for the return home. Packing a few clothes, arranging for air travel, having friends take us to the airport: as these fell into place, I found I was reaching out in an almost continual prayer to God. In Him I prepared myself for the venture ahead, which I knew not. I had my moments of sobbing my heart out, straining to gain my composure for my family who needed someone strong to help them through this crisis. My prayer was answered, I received that peace that only He can give, and I found the strength for the time that lay ahead.

This is my story and now I want to invite others in. Devotionals are designed for many to read and to experience, to feel God working in each of our lives. We must share our experiences with one another to learn of His love and how He cares for us in the worst of situations — how He holds us up in His tender, loving arms.

In these times we can learn to be closer to our God, if only we will invite Him in and let Him take control of our lives, no matter how horrific the situation may be.

Through death, through life, in times of trouble, He is there for us. It is in these times of obedience to our Lord that we learn to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Praise be to God our Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer, loving You and letting you take control. Give us patience and strength to sit back and watch your plan unfold. Let your love encompass us so we may say, " I love you, Lord." We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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