We enjoy word games as a family. One of the favourite games is 'Boggle.' We desired to get a new 'Boggle' and since we couldn't get it, our son purchased a 'Big Boggle'!
A few weeks ago, our son was suddenly taken very ill. His blood pressure shot up so high that the reading couldn't even be taken! He developed weakness of the left side of his face and body. He was rushed to the emergency admission of the hospital. We were told that the next 36 to 48 hours would be crucial. He was kept in the 'High Dependency Area' for five days and then in the ward for ten days. His whole body was scanned and functions of the organs tested. Our son was an unusual 'Medical Case' in many ways besides displaying such levels of blood pressure at just 30 years of age. He was a good specimen for trainees and students from different medical departments.
As a family we made daily visits to the hospital. I spent hours seated by our son's bed, anxiously watching him. As I tried to work out in my mind the meaning of all the happenings, my mind was in a 'Big Boggle'!! I felt guilt and conviction as I wondered whether I had been negligent in caring for him. I felt fear as the various medical teams discussed 'This Case' and gave probable causes for this incident and consequent permanent damage to his organs. My heart ached when grim diagnoses were announced to us and further painful procedures were suggested at the bedside in 'Matter of Fact' tones by senior consultants and juniors.
Although there were instances of relief when a good report came through, I felt oppression on my mind while in the hospital. I longed to spend time alone with my LORD and have Him speak to me so that my mind would be cleared. The LORD spoke simple and clear words directly and through His children.These were rays of sunshine bringing hope in the dark valley. My shoulders were literally weighed down by a burden which I knew could only be lifted at Calvary, where I resorted frequently to pour my heart to the LORD JESUS. A gentle word spoken sensitively by anyone was like a soothing balm to a broken heart. Peace was imparted into my heart when dear ones prayed with us compassionately, short meaningful prayers in faith. Through all of these, even though the cables of my soul were strained, the anchor that held my spirit deep within, was the hope that rested on the certainty of the love of GOD which I couldn't question or doubt for a single moment. This love was revealed in tangible ways through the kindness of people - believers and also non-believers. More importantly the strength of our faith was the answer of the prayers of many intercessors around the world who stood in the gap on our behalf. Some of them did not even pray with us, but stood praying for us. They prayed individually, as groups and as churches. Behind the scenes they were effectively clearing for us the enemy's garbage of condemnation and doubt of GOD'S love that could disconnect us from GOD. These sincere prayers enabled each one of us in the family to keep our faith individually.
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
Luke 22:31-32
It is nearly a month since the onset of this ordeal and the storm is settling. Our son is making a remarkable and spectacular (as his physiotherapist exclaimed yesterday) recovery! Looking back, I realise it was a 'Big Boggle' in real life!! When Boggle is shaken there is noise and confusion. The letter dice are scattered in the box not making words or sense. Fear and anxiety seem overwhelming. Then comes the settling. Quickly we look for meaningful words. We realise this new setting is better than the former. The temporary shaking was good! There are new and better words. We discover new and deeper meaning to old words - Faith, Fear, Love, Rest, Peace - as we quietly listen to the gentle soft voice of the Precious Holy Spirit!
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:11-12
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