"Do you know that...you are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19) There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. We should let Him have His way. If we refuse, we will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block. The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn't we experience heartbreak: Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God's purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, "Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine." If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking ours? A lot easier said than done. That's what I thought when I read this. It is funny because thinking back at when I was growing up, (yeah, Josh, a long time ago, but I still remember), we didn't even have the word 'private' in our vocabulary. I was talking to Marilú the other day because she was complaining a little bit about her lack of privacy. I was sharing with her what a great childhood I had. I told her I didn't even have a room to share, my siblings and I usually slept outside in our portal, or patio. I didn't even know I was supposed to have a room. I often think 'ignorance' in that sense is such a blessing. Levi with grandpa Rochelle & Brian have experienced quite of bit of heart ache this past year. It is overwhelming at times for me just worrying about Levi pulling his trach out and they not realizing it fast enough. Just yesterday, as Rochelle & I were at an activity for women at her church, Brian & Daniel were watching the boys, Levi pulled his trach out. Thankfully, they were able to act quickly and assist him. Everything was well when we came back, but I felt sick in my stomach just hearing about it. I wish they didn't have to experience these amazingly terrifying moments, yet I know the Lord is sovereign, He is in control of all things. And I did remember Brian's words the time before when Levi pulled his trach out, 'Levi's days are numbered by the Lord!' We know the Lord has a purpose in all things He allows in our lives, He accomplishes His purposes this way. Brian & Rochelle have experienced such painful times with these precious little ones, but also such joys. What an amazing gift from God they are! ima & J Jesse is doing quite well with his feedings, he isn't too crazy about this baby food, but he likes it well enough. Levi is also trying to like it, but for him it's a bit harder because of his trach. We are amazed and at the same time so thankful, of how well these boys have been doing. Seeing them smiling and playing all the time has been such a joy for us. We thank God for the opportunity to be here. It will be extremely hard to leave tomorrow, but I am already, in my mind, planning the next trip. Tennessee is so beautiful at this time! But truly, every time I have been here, (this is my third), it has been beautiful. Mima & Bibi with the twins Grandpa loving on Levi Last Thursday we went to the 'shack' (Brian's family farm), and had a great time. First time for the twins to be out there. That was one of Brian's favorite places to go hunting with his granddad ever since he started hunting, so he has so many great memories of those times spent together with him. Thank you so very much for your appreciated prayers on behalf of Brian, Rochelle & the twins. We don't cease to be amazed at how the Lord has taken care of them in such amazing ways. The wonderful, God given family they have here that are such a blessing to them, Brian's work, their church, their wonderful friends, they couldn't ask for better people to be surrounded by. Please continue to pray for the ranch, we are thankful at how the Lord takes care of everyone there too. We are so thankful for the people helping out and making this time for us to be away possible, we are too surrounded by wonderful, God given family and friends. May the Lord bless and keep each of you always, Daniel & Ana |
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