Tag: Storms

Joy In The Morning

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep. On those nights, I usually end up scrolling through social media to see who needs prayer and pray for the needs I already know about. On some of those restless nights, I find myself singing the old hymns that I learned as a child.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I know the words to every verse of this song as well as many other hymns from my childhood. As I sing these beautiful hymns, I sense the quiet embrace of God’s presence around me. I have assurance that He is as close as my next breath and there will be joy in the morning.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ~Lamentations 3:22-23

I am thankful for this reminder that God brings joy in the morning through His whispers of love in our little victories and echoes of mercy in our failures. ~OC

0

Endurance

Today’s a new day! For the past twenty -three years, chronic illness and pain have been a close and unwanted companion to me. This unwanted intruder is always trying to destroy my life.

Chronic illness and pain is a powerful thing, continuously trying to snatch my peace, happiness and positive attitude like a thief in the night. As I write this, with pain shooting throughout my body and my soul weary within me, I consider the great truths of 2 Corinthians (take time to read it for yourself). Someday, despite my greatest efforts to hold on to hope and strength, my soul and spirit grow weary in fighting through the physical pain I endure on a daily basis. I often find myself being led to a prayer of brokenness in these moments. “Oh Lord, what good am I to you in this place? How much more could I offer you if I were healthy, energized, and strong! Lord, what is the point of this pain?”

The truth is that physical or emotional pain, especially when it is chronic, has a way of stripping away the masks we tend to wear, leaving our hearts exposed and our self-sufficient ways of life threatened. It clears away the sea of fog filled with empty distractions and suddenly makes us face the question: Is it worth following Jesus when this is what life will be like?

Pain is never easy or pleasant, but nothing can compare to the pain of eternity without God. And so my pain today is a small glimpse of what I have been saved from. How much more can we grasp the beautiful and glorious promise of eternity with our Savior, free from pain, worries, health issues and the distractions of this world. The beautiful God inspired truths we find in the Bible give us a reason to push through the storms, a purpose to live out and a sense of hope to endure the rough seas of this life.

I spend many sleepless nights looking to the One who understands everything we walk through in our daily journey. I don’t know about you, but there is a tendency to turn inward during this crazy beautiful health journey. Sometimes, I think no one can possibly understand the suffering I endure each day of my life. But there is someone who understands—who has been through everything I am going through, and everything I will go through, and far, far more—Jesus.

A question I have for each of us. If we truly believe God always keeps his promises and will never forsake us, why do we often go to Him last? The truth is that no one can fully understand our pain in the way our Savior can, the only One who knows us intimately and has walked this hard road before us. We are not left to endure the pain of this life in loneliness and our own strength. Rather, we serve a God who bears the physical scars of His love for us and sympathizes with us as one who has lived as a human being and suffered more than you or I will ever know.

God longs to fill the broken pieces of our lives, often left by suffering, with the hope of the gospel and the healing power of His presence. One thought about our afflictions can never be true—that no one understands them. We have a God with nail scared hands walking with us through this journey. We have the privilege to speak to a God whose time on earth was accompanied by the afflictions of poverty, of disappointment, of betrayal, of mockery, a terrible beating and death. Jesus offers us mercy and grace in our time of need. So cry out to Him! God does not leave us to fend for ourselves. I am so thankful for those promises. When we have nothing left and are struggling to put one foot in front of another, we can cry out to Jesus, who not only understands but strengthens us when we are weak, equips us when we are weary, and brings beauty out of our brokenness. I am thankful that we have a hope beyond our pain because of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

We have a Choice:

As I write this post, I am allowing God’s word to speak truth to my own soul just as much as to yours. Though there are times when pain can seem almost unbearable, we have a hope that much of the suffering world does not know. While we naturally desire the healing of our bodies or our minds, Jesus desires the healing of our soul above all. And we will either allow the period of pain to bring us closer to Jesus or to pull us away from Him. Be aware that the storms of life can cause us to turn away from Jesus, in crippling bitterness or toward futile self-reliance, or it can cause us to turn to Jesus, trusting that He knows, cares, helps, and will one day bring us to a world where faith will become sight and pain will be no more.

So let’s cry out to Him in our pain and discomfort. Although we are afflicted in every way, we will not be crushed because of the grace of Jesus Christ that is poured out to us. He will only allow what will be used for His good and loving purposes in our lives and if He has chosen to allow us to endure some form of pain or affliction, we can find strength in the promise that He will only allow for an allotted time what He intends to use for our good and his glory.

Don’t give up or give way to despair, for there is a glorious treasure to be found when the pain of this world drives us to Jesus, and it is of far greater worth than any earthly relief. Yes, pain and affliction are real in this world. Jesus knows that. But what could crush us as we struggle on in faith, might be the means of God reshaping and revealing His purpose for our lives.

Health issues will be my close companion, it would seem, until Jesus calls me home. But when the pain and suffering tries to drive me to despair, I have a God who understands, and who helps, and who will use this health journey to mold me into His likeness. This crazy beautiful health journey will not defeat me, for God is greater than anything this world throws at me. Lean into that truth and promise today. ~OC

0

Come Together

Today’s a new day! Finding humor during the hard moments in life is important, but we must remember how some things that might be just a minor inconvenience for the wealthy, able bodied or younger person can be devastating for the poor, disabled and elderly. Let’s spend a little looking out for each other as we continue to live in these uncertain times. ~OC

0

The Life of Job

Today’s a new day! I couldn’t sleep last night and as I was studying God’s word, He directed me to the Book of Job in the Bible. As I was studying, several thoughts came to my mind. As Job was experiencing the toughest days of his life, he had no idea there was a conversation between God and Satan happening in the heavens above. But that conversation between the King of Kings and the Prince of Darkness decided what ended up happening to Job on earth. And let me tell you, it wasn’t good. The storms of life hit Job smack in the face.

Can you imagine walking in Job’s shoes for even an hour? He lost everything — his cattle, his flocks, his finances, and worst of all, his whole family except for his wife. And it all happened so quickly. Oh, and his friends were not very encouraging.

Yet, despite all the turmoil unfolding right in front of him, what did Job do? He got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. And then, he fell to the ground and worshiped. Worshipped! Really?

Job’s reaction might seem a little crazy to some of us. How could he still worship God after everything that had just happened to him? But that’s exactly what Job did. That is why we can find such truth and encouragement from the Book of Job.

As mentioned above, Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:20-21).

Despite his faith being put to the ultimate test, Job passed with flying colors. If the devil had been right in his assessment of Job, it would have meant that the devil was greater or equal to God. But Job didn’t waver. No, he wasn’t a hypocrite, and he didn’t follow the king of hypocrites.

So, here’s a question for each of us as we walk into this new week. If we were ever placed in Job’s shoes, would we react the same way? Would we still worship God in the midst of unimaginable pain and loss? It’s not an easy question to answer, but it’s worth considering. Job’s story shows us that it’s possible to have a soul that’s well, even in the midst of tragedy. And that’s something we can all strive for as we walk out our own life journey. ~OC

0

Stand

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm. ~ Ephesians 6:13-14

Today’s a new day! Life can feel overwhelming at times. Can I get an amen? Life can be hard. The never-ending to-do lists, the health issues, financial issues, the friendship that ends out of the blue or the house that never seems to stay clean. Sometimes we feel like we cannot cope. We may not even be able to explain it. We just feel overwhelmed. We feel like we’re drowning.

I’m not sure what is currently happening in your life, what crisis you may be facing, but what I do know is we will all face challenges and heartaches we didn’t expect. In the midst of it all, we have a God who, just like a lifeguard, is ready to rescue us.

I can see Him looking at me, saying, “I’ve given you everything you need. Just stand.” Ephesians 6:13-14 declares, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …” My heart is lifted up as I remember the following truths. Hopefully they can bring you some encouragement.

*No matter how unqualified we feel for the tasks set before us, with God we’re well-equipped.

*No matter how fast we seem to be sliding down the slippery slope of this thing called life, with God we are not in despair.

*No matter how overwhelming the situations of life feel, with God we are not drowning.

Friend, God has given us everything we need to stand victorious against the storms and uncertainties of this world. All we have to do is stand. Stand on His Word. Stand on His promise that declares we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us”(Romans 8:37). Stand on the command of Jesus to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). Stand on the truth that He will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

Today, let’s declare it with our mouths and believe it in our hearts. After you’ve done all you can, just stand!

Dear God, even though we can get easily overwhelmed by the things of this life, we thank You that You are always there, that You never leave nor forsake us. We pray that we will be reminded continuously that through the power of Your Word, we are well-equipped for this journey You have prepared for us. No matter what comes our way, may we stand on Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~OC

0

It’s Time to Grow Up

Today’s a new day! Imagine your 18 year old daughter is a college freshman and all the sudden her life is blown up by a viscous, nasty and false rumor. To all my dads out there, how would you react if Mary Kate Cornett was your daughter?

That is the real life nightmare a father, his daughter and their family are currently living out at Ole Miss University because of some immature men (if you want to call them men), who have sports talk shows decided to run with a story without checking any facts, evidence or getting some clarification regarding this horrific situation. All because they have a national tv/radio show. One of these sad individuals is a leading figure at ESPN.

One of the many sad things about this case as I read the articles and responses, is how so many men and some women are defending not the victim in this case, but the childish men who decided to spread this hate without ever checking to see if was true. I am purposely not mentioning the tv/radio host involved in this case because the focus should be on the victim, not the perpetrators of this hate.

Why is it that some men feel like it’s okay to degrade a woman without even blinking an eye? I grew up playing sports and spent plenty of time in locker rooms. Some of the conversations were not PG or even PG-13. But guess what? Most of the boys grew up and became men who realized those conversations were juvenile and disrespectful. Sadly, some boys never learned that lesson and continue to treat women and anyone they feel is less than like second class citizens. And what’s even worse is that major corporations like ESPN give them millions of dollars and a license to continue acting like middle school boys.

I have been praying for Miss Cornett and her family. Her parents and grandfather have been harassed by a group of people emboldened by the talk show/radio host they listen to daily. Miss Cornett and her family are thinking about bringing a lawsuit against all the immature boys and the companies they work for. I say, go for it! Hold them and the companies they work for accountable for the pain and suffering they have caused you.

Maybe, just maybe these boys will grow up someday. None of the individuals who helped spread these rumors have even apologized to this young lady or her family. No, they keep raking in the ratings and the money while Miss Cornett has to hideout and take her classes online for safety concerns. I will ask again, men what if Miss Cornett was your daughter? ~OC

0

Uniquely Created

Today’s a new day! Stop comparing your gifts and talents to someone else’s—God designed you with purpose. You are uniquely equipped to make a difference just as you are. Embrace the gifts God has given you and remember: you’re a one-of-a-kind original, called and empowered for His purpose. Stay in your lane and run the race God designed just for you. Have a great day! ~OC

0

Still Standing and Thankful

Today’s a new day! I don’t like being in pain and I don’t like having multiple health issues that will probably shorten my life. I would love to grow old with my bride. But I realize that may not be the plans God has for my life. But I know and I trust that He is faithful. God’s plans are the best and do not revolve around me. Acts 13:36 says, “when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep”. When God has done what he wants through me, I will step into heaven in his perfect timing.

Why has God allowed me to walk this health journey? Maybe it is to help me be a better husband and friend. Maybe it’s an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with more people. Maybe it’s for reasons way beyond my understanding. All I know is that God has given me this gift of health issues to use for his glory. All I know is that I will continue to trust and serve him.

Sometimes it is still hard to comprehend that my life could end at any moment. But isn’t that the case for all of us? As the Bible teaches,

All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever. (1 Peter 1:24)

When I received my first diagnosis in August 2002, it was a total shock. I knew I didn’t feel great, but I had no idea how I was so sick. My life at that time involved being a husband, a social worker and volunteer at multiple ministries.

Back then, some doctors shared I might only have five years to live. However, God had other ideas and even though my health journey has been full of twist and turns and multiple life threatening illnesses, I am still standing. Some days my life has felt like a ticking time bomb. My bride has become an expert in dealing with multiple infections,various types of devices being surgically implanted into my body and various treatments to just keep me alive.

As the multiple health issues continue to weaken my body, I am thankfully aware that Jesus is my Lord and Savior in whom I can depend, and that all other ground is sinking sand. I am so grateful to God for everything. I am thankful for who God is, his majesty, his splendour, and his promises. I am thankful for my bride, family, friends and life. I am so thankful to God for the resurrection of Jesus which means I will have victory over death and do not need to fear what my future holds. It is such a comfort to read,

“Death has been swallowed up in victory”
  “Where, O death, is your victory?
  Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-56)

As my body grows weaker, I am thankful God continues to allow me to truly embrace life. To continue making beautiful memories with my bride. Some dear friends even bought me an electric trike to get around town. Watch out world! I will enjoy the new bike in between my many naps. After years of not being able to sleep, most of my days now involve sleeping most of the day.

What can be hard is coping with chronic pain and deteriorating health while still navigating the physical and emotional challenges of trying to live a “normal life.” Another challenge is not knowing what each day might bring. It is impossible to make plans. Between multiple medical appointments and hospitalizations, it can be difficult to make any plans.

However, I am just so thankful for God’s guidance through his word. The Bible is so clear about what God wants me to do now, even as I grow weaker: “Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess 5:16). God is so clear. This is what God wants me to do now. I am thankful he continues to allow me to live an amazing life.

So, I will continue to thank God for this gift of health issues because he is good and he is using it for his purposes. The plans of the Lord are perfect, even if I do not always know the reasons I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey. All I know is that someday, I will be in the loving presence of Jesus. But until then, I will continue to live life and embrace every moment. If you see me out and about on my trike, stop and say hello. Oh, and wake me up if I happen to be asleep. ~OC

0

Between the Dash

Today’s a new day! How do you want to be remembered? Another way to ask this question is what do want your life to stand for beyond the dash between your date of birth and the day you leave this world? This may sound like a depressing post, but actually thinking about how you want to be remembered could make a huge difference in the way you live your life.

Most people shy away from talking about death; it feels morbid. But one thing that is for sure in this life is -unless Jesus comes again soon to rapture his people —all of us will face death and all of us will leave behind a legacy. It should not be morbid or depressing to think about how you want to be remembered; it’s smart, and it could be life changing.

How would you choose to live your life if God revealed to you the day, month, and year when you would pass from this life into eternity? How would it affect your daily routine?

In the Bible, Psalm 90 is titled “A prayer of Moses the man of God,” and here’s part of that prayer:

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom(Psalm 90:12).

And in Psalm 39:4, King David prayed:

Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

These two were on the same page, even though centuries apart. They were not asking for a gift of prophecy, but rather, they were asking God to help them live like they were dying—to live in the reality that their days were numbered, and that this life is fleeting.

How often have we prayed such a prayer: Dear God, show me how fleeting—how brief, how short, how transient—my life is? Suppose we began each of our days with this type of prayer, asking God to help us number our days. We would then begin to live in the knowledge that this world is temporary, but eternity is forever.

As I have run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have probably spent a little more time thinking about my mortality. Today, I want to encourage you to give a little more thought to the truth that you will leave this life one day and enter eternity. Are you living with eternity’s values in mind? I believe this is a good question for all of us to consider. ~OC

0

Deep Roots

Today’s a new day! I shall not be moved; I shall not be shaken. How many times have I repeated these familiar Bible verses in my mind, thinking that as long as I am truly rooted in God, nothing will ever rock my world.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

But this world can be like a roller coaster, full of twist and turns. And sometimes no matter how hard we cling to the grace of God, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by the storms of life.

There are times we still shake when life throws us a curveball. No one is immune to the unsteady waves of this broken world.

So how do we stay rooted?

Having been born and raised in South Florida, I have lived through many storms and hurricanes. Life can be a little unpredictable during hurricane season. As I reflect on all the hurricanes I have lived through, I realize that I had it all wrong just asking the question above.

During a hurricane, the trees can violently sway back and forth. I think to myself, there is no way those trees can withstand the strong winds. At any moment, they are going to fly away in the storm. But I marvel as the trees sway and rock, but are not uprooted.

Steady they hold on, anchored in the ground by an invisible root system designed to protect them from life’s raging storms.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. (Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬)

Life will shake us. It will move our earthly bodies and minds in ways that feel almost impossible to recover from. But when we anchor ourselves in the love and salvation of God, we find that our eternal soul and spirit can never be moved.

Just like those trees, we have an invisible root system that anchors us in the Kingdom of God. This allows us to walk confidently through the storms of life, knowing that God is always holding onto us.

Though the earth give way and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea, we remain rooted in God. Although life and the choices we make may move us, God always has us right where He wants us.

I want to encourage you to remember that we always have an anchor in the unsteady waves of this world.  I pray you remember how all that we are is secured in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. ~OC

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑