My dear wife took Me to the hospital office to meet with Dr this morning. I didn’t want to go as I had been so weak, had difficulty moving, and debilitated, for weeks on weeks. I had tried to have a video by phone call but they said no I had too many problems and needed to see me.I saw the doctor and he came up with a plan to try to keep me out of the hospital again using infusions twice a month for six months to help with the disease that put me in the hospital last month. He said he would have to fight insurance to get it. I’ve placed it in the LORD’S hands as He knows if it will help or not and He can change hearts …On the way out of the building, I got to start a conversation in the elevator with a man on the love of Christ on the cross. While I was using the walker to get to the front door of the hospital building Cindee went to get the car so I would not have to walk that far.. The Man caught up with me and I started sharing with him. He had talked about the terrible things happening in the world. I shared we all die in different ways but the worst of all Jesus said is to die in your sins! Un-forgiven bearing your own sin rather than Him bearing it for you. I got to share with him regards sin. Repentance. Shame and sin and used a soccer illustration on a substitute replacing someone. Jesus our Substitute. He took our place on the cross, bearing our sins and Shame. But when we turn to God, and the exchange takes place He treats us as though we were Jesus. We get His righteousness!
He shared about trying to be good but never good enough. I got to share about the Grand Canyon. The width in places was a mile wide and if the best long jumper tried to jump across it He would fall short. But if there were a bridge he could walk across it. Jesus is the Bridge- The Way, The Truth The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.
I shared it was not about religion but to have a relationship with God. God didn’t want him to be religious but a relationship with Him. He said he was so thankful he ran into me and thanked me. I told him if he wasn’t sure about God to ask Him to make Himself real to him. And with that, Cindee pulled up in the car unaware of what happened .. And earlier I got to share with one of the medical staff. When I walked into the building a kind believing nurse who had given me several infusions previously saw me and came over to give me a big hug. Hers is a great story…. and the LORD has met her in such a wonderful way… I have prayed for her often. So, I was glad to see her and introduce Cindee to her.
Originally I didn’t want to go to the Doctor’s. office … as it was too much for me physically, based on these past weeks of illness. But this morning I woke up at 4 am feeling “better”- the pain way down, some “strength” and “energy.” …. There was no grace for me the night before, but grace is present tense “My Grace IS sufficient” it’s present tense. Moment by moment.-( Read 2 Cor 12:9)
During the night I was thinking it’s years since I last traveled and spoke, no speaking now, but I said to the LORD that people I find myself with and meet can be my opportunity- my circumstances my pulpit to share – and He was so kind in giving opportunities. I love elevators. No one speaks to each other “ BUT GOD…” can give opportunities to a captive audience
From there we went to the pharmacy. I was greeted by a young man whom I had not seen in more than approximately three months due to illness, hospital etc. He was so glad to see me and greeted with a big smile. This is God giving favor with others. I have shared the LORD with him. I told him I didn’t know if I had the strength to walk to where the pharmacy was. He encouraged me And on way out I ran into one of the ladies who works in the pharmacy on her way into work. She gave me a big hug and told me she was going to cry. And said that she was going to come to our house to check on me next week as she was concerned. I have got to share with her in the past. Again His favor
We then went to a restaurant and as we walked in a woman ahead of me was also using a walker. So I went down a different isle as she was struggling. So when I got to where the hosts were I waited for this lady and man with her to let them get a table first. Though I did tell them we were going to have a race but she was already cheating as she had four wheels on her walker and I only had too. We had a laugh and I said it’s good to be able to laugh and one of the staff said it was in light of all that was going on. With that, I shared Psalm 23 where the LORD says. ” even though I walk THROUGH the valley…”. I shared with her we were walking THROUGH we are not staying. We don’t need a Motel 6 to keep the light on we are not staying the night. We are waking THROUGH the valley of difficulties with the LORD. Last night I prayed for her and the man in the elevator, staff members at the Doctor’s office. The nurse who gave me a hug. The Young man at the store. Lady who works at pharmacy and others whom He blessed me with today
This is the most I have walked in nearly three months. As walking is very difficult due to the disease The most I was out … He has His timing…
And to top it off I got to see my oldest grandson- “The Little Man” who lives to collect rocks and what he says are “crystals” in them. When I told him the bump on my finger a Dr had said it was ” crystals” he told me he had a hammer and he could smash it to get it out:) I know he loves me but I think he loves his “crystals” a little more:)
My reluctance to go to the Doctor’s office was overcome by His giving relief and grace for the day along the path I am walking on with Him. He had someone He wanted to make Himself known to … and other opportunities…
And so with you too.