“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see His righteousness.” Micah 7: 7-9 (NLT)
I find no matter how much faith I have and no matter how much I believe in the promises of a good God; I still get scared. You know how it is when you want to be strong, but fear keeps creeping in? I believe in the goodness of God, I believe His promises are true, (“Yes,” says the Lord, “I will do mighty miracles for you…” Micah 7:15) and I believe His will is for good. But sometimes I wonder if God’s good is the same good I have in mind. God promises in Psalm 118:17, we will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord. In Psalm 27:13, He says, we will see God’s goodness in the land of the living; I believe these promises. But fear keeps on coming, especially late at night. I try to pray but all I can muster is “Jesus, Jesus!” This happened last week when Billy was going through such a rough time in the hospital. It seemed as if he was going from one not so good situation to another. All I could think was if I am feeling like this and I am not even in the hospital, imagine what Billy is going through. I had to force myself to stop. I repeated, “I know God is in charge and I believe everything will be alright.” Well, thank God, today, everything is alright. And, I believe it will continue. After all, God promises, “where you began will seem unimportant, because your future will be so successful.” Job 8:7 (NCV)
I am so thankful to report Billy’s stomach tubes have been removed, he can walk, stand and eat. To go from being bed-ridden to standing and walking is a God-given gift. And, after an almost three-week hospital stay, serious advocating by his wife, Cheryl, as well as the care of his medical staff and most importantly, your prayers; Billy was moved to the Rehab Floor at Bayfront Medical Center Saturday.
I talked to Billy this morning. He said, “Mary, this is temporary. It’s not without problems; but, it’s just temporary.” He added, “I have taken ownership for my situation. And, yesterday was such a wonderful day. I took a shower.” I smiled and thanked God.
I sat on the front porch and lingered after talking to Billy. Marveling at the goodness of God, I listened to the wind serenading the trees. I glanced up to see majestic, green trees swaying back and forth to a gentle breeze. Billy’s voice coupled with this tranquil scene seemed to say – “All is in divine order. Everything will be alright.”
Please continue to pray bold prayers for Billy’s recovery and continue to visualize him healthy, strong and walking into his home smiling with his wife, Cheryl and cats and dog by his side. Also continue bold prayers for Cheryl’s continued strength, health, peace of mind and for all the medical staff caring for him. As always, please extend your prayers to everyone in need of healing, strength and peace.
Dear God, You are a good God and I thank You for the mighty healing You are performing in Billy’s body. I ask that You continue to strengthen and heal him and give him peace and courage throughout this process. God, I ask You to extend Your powerful blessings to all those suffering in any way. Thank You God. Amen, Amen, Amen.