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A Revisited Devotional from September 2, 1996
Isaiah 43:2-3a – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (NKJV)
Have you ever been close to death, or thought you were?
Several decades ago, a car accident in Canada left me immobilized and away from home. The doctor said, "You may die in the next two days!" I was faced with impending death, suffering, and my unfinished business with others, not to mention the realization of the unimportance of prestige, political power, and material goods. What an impact!
Partly as a result of my near-death experience and the motivation, the strength, and the call that God gave me, I went to El Salvador for a short term under Presbyterian World Service and Development to enable the poor to become self-sufficient. After that, I stayed on for ten years of "tent-making ministry", doing consulting contracts to support myself. Many people feared violence and death following the Salvadoran Civil War (1979-1992). It was dangerous, and I would not have gone had I not learned to completely trust in God to protect and lead me. With a well-developed trust in God and in Jesus as my Saviour, I was able to discern and to do His will. Letting Him have control over my life and death brought me liberation and peace.
Luke 6:20-23 – Then [Jesus] lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. (NKJV)
Let Jesus have control over your life and death, and find your peace in Him!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us voluntarily to stop and to become aware of Your gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Teach us how to trust in You for our eternal life and to respond today as Jesus would, in response to all opportunities. Amen!
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Thanks, Lynne, for the good word.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory. Blessings.
Lynne, I’ve been studying the theme of “peace” as it appears in the New Testament. Your devotional offers a perfect illustration!
Phil. 4:7-9 “… and the God of peace be with you.”
Many thanks Lynne for sharing about your life happening in your devotional today. You truly regained strength through your faith and God’s help was shown through all your future work and abilities. Blessings as you continue to share the positive results of God’s power when we faithfully serve Him.
Good morning, Lynne,
I wasn’t reading devotionals of Presbycan in 1996 so this is new to me. I understand your message of trusting in the Lord and listening for His guidance to move forward in our faith. I am glad that you lived and were able to help others without fear. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Good morning, Lynne,
It is amazing what God can accomplish when we totally believe in Him and the Word. My husband and I moved to Azores right after I heard God say now is the time to move. I am so thankful we listened and obeyed. My husband was born there.
God bless you and thank you for sharing.
What a story! You’re an amazing follower of Christ… even when it’s not an easy road!
Many thanks for this encouragement to think BIG!
With gratitude,
(BC Canada)
Thank you Lynne for your devotional. Thank you for your service after your challenging time of healing.
Blessings to you and the daily devotional we enjoy every day.
(BC)