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There are a lot of things I do not know:
I don’t know how to do logo rhythms.
I don’t know how to communicate effectively with teens.
I don’t know why bad things happen to good people.
I don’t know why, as people, we run ourselves ragged majoring on the minors.
..these things, I just don’t know.
But these things I do know:
Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.
God is still on His throne.
Prayer gives us direct access to the God of the universe and He immensely enjoys our company.
For all the miracles God has done before, He can do it again!
…on these truths I would stake my very life.
So I accept the challenge!
This morning a visitor issued our church a challenge. I partly wonder if the guy was human, or was he an angel in our midst?? I bought his CD so I’m pretty sure he is real… :-D.
The challenge was to seek the heart of God and personal revival. The challenge was to devote ourselves to the communion of prayer and meditation on the scriptures—to interact with God. When we experience God we are changed, and in turn we can change our world. The challenge was to know God and be fully known by God.
I accept the challenge.
I woke up this morning with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into. They physical responsibilities I have taken on have started to wear me down. My mind was filled with the frustrations of the week, the medical dilemmas, dueling doctors opinions, and no hope in sight.
I laid on my bed while every muscle ached, every movement caused my bones to pop and creak and all I could think of was the fact I was determined to make it to church this morning. I resolved that I would get there this morning even if I had to limp, crawl or be carried in a wheel chair…I was going to be there. There was not even drama with the kids this morning…an unusual thing for Sunday morning.
More than anything I knew I wanted and needed prayer. I have been completely at a loss about what to do with the medical situation that I am facing. 3 doctors and not one of them can agree on anything. In fact the vehemently oppose each others suggestions. Two of those three doctors asked me what *I* felt they should do! Last I checked, my degree was in Social Work—not MEDICINE! That brought about even more fear an anxiety to know my doctors were looking at me and asking me what to do. The hopeless feelings just kept mounting. But in the middle of the storm, the clock is ticking and decisions have to be made…they all want answers as to what we are going to do to solve the problem.
One doctor mailed me copies of the lab work so I would know what we are dealing with on his end, another doctor graphed me out a chart of what his concern was, another doctor felt it was too dangerous to do the one treatment we all knew to be effective because it was an invasive procedure that we just did in January, and now we need it done again. He said the risk was too high. I sat looking at all the overwhelming information and tried to consider each doctor’s opinion and suggested course of action. I realized the complete disharmony of the three of them. So I have a fourth opinion coming next week.
As I woke up this morning, I only had one goal in mind…Get me to the church on time!!!
I had no idea we would have a guest speaker today. In fact, I expected jokes from my pastor, that he would introduce himself to me as if I were a first time visitor because I have been gone so much lately. But he greeted me with a hug and told me he was glad I was well enough to be there. I gave a half-hearted smile because I didn’t have the heart to say that I wasn’t well enough to be there—I was just that DESPERATE!!
During our communion service we had a special time of prayer for those in our church body who were sick. I knew this was a divine moment! I stood and asked for prayer from those around me. Desperation is not always a bad thing—in that moment I was clinging to the hem of Jesus’ garment with all that I had in me.
The speaker spoke. He issued his challenge. And the weight of the world I had felt just hours before had simple melted away. I was reminded of the passage of scripture where Jesus was talking to Martha. “Martha, Martha, you worry about so many things, but only one thing is needed.” Mary had been sitting at the feet of Jesus while Martha was working and worrying. Jesus told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
As I considered all that has been worrying me, I made a conscious decision….I’m not going to play that game!
As I mentioned before, there is a lot I don’t know. I don’t know why three doctors can’t come to some agreement on how to treat me without physically harming me further. I don’t know if the 4th opinion is going to help or further complicate and confuse this issue.
But this I do know….
God is not the author of confusion! And these doctors are admittedly confused about what to do. I know that Mary chose the one thing THAT WAS NEEDED. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, learn from Him and have fellowship with Him…and that could never be taken from her.
So here’s my plan. I am going to accept the challenge that was issued today to fully immerse myself in the Word, in prayer and in communion with my God, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Healer.
And in this time of devotion to prayer and seeking God, I am asking God to intervene and heal me or give the doctors clarity and consensus on how to move forward. God is not the author of confusion.
I am in no rush. I think the foolish thing would be to just plow ahead amidst the confusion! How senseless would it be to make a decision in the midst of confusion, having neglected THE ONE THING THAT IS NEEDED!!
With God all things are possible!
My friends, we all worry about so many things, but Jesus said Himself, there is ONLY ONE THING THAT IS NEEDED!!
Will you accept the challenge of seeking a personal revival with God?
Love, Dawn
PS...check back to our church's website in the next few days and hear the message/challenge that was given online! www.thevinefellowship.com
