Monday, August 5, 2019

Pastor's Ponderings, August 5, 2019

When Life Suddenly Changes

During this past week on July 28, 2019, I felt a sudden severe pain in my side. I thought it was a recurrence of kidney stones and went into the emergency room to confirm my diagnosis. Instead the ER doctor said I would need surgery today. Emergency surgery. 

Still reeling from this information, one might imagine my shock when the surgeon came in next and unemotionally informed me, “In a half an hour we are taking you to the operating room.”

It was great to have a praying wife right there who prayed and assured me things would be fine.  God blessed the surgeon, her staff, and the surgery. I am healing well although my plans to run a ten-mile race at the end of the month have sadly faded away.

We have to know that God will help us when life suddenly falls apart. When the enemy comes in our lives, He promised that He would overwhelm that enemy (Isaiah 59:19b).  When we are confused and stumbling about, God promised that He would be a lamp unto our feet and a light into our path (Psalm 119:105). We should fear no evil because He is with us (Psalm 23:4). He further promised to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is our guiding light that will direct us into a safe path.  He will keep those of us in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Things can suddenly change for us, our plane of life can suddenly go into a tailspin, but if we know where our true help comes from, we can be confident that our God will not waver, our heavenly mindset will not shake and God’s peace will rule our lives.  Man is of a few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1), but God has promised us that if we look to Him, He is a very present help even in the midst of any calamity (Psalm 46:1).

Isaiah 59:19b
Amplified Bible (AMP)
19…For He will come in like a narrow, rushing stream
Which the breath of the Lord drives [overwhelming the enemy].

Psalm 119:105
New International Version (NIV)
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 23:4
New International Version (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me

Hebrews 13:5
New International Version (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.

Job 14:1
New International Version (NIV)
1“Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.

Psalm 46:1
New International Version (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.









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