Least Expected

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me.

John 14:1 (ESV)

Have you ever just been walking along through your days when, out of nowhere, the unexpected happens?

Well, this has happened in my home this year. Specifically, it has happened to me.

Actually, my husband and I could sort of see this coming. We just weren’t expecting it to be so upending to our lives. I began having dizziness some months ago. But it would come and go. I didn’t think much about it. I saw a doctor, and he ruled out anything serious.

In the past few weeks, though it has begun to intensify to the point that I have had to quit driving. Tests have revealed a scarier situation than we initially thought.

Just like that. Everything has changed. And where is God in all the upheaval of these days?

“…The light around me will be night.”

“The darkness is like light to you.”

Psalm 139: 11-12 (WEB)

Well, I will tell you. He has been right here. That’s where He’s always been. You know—Immanuel. God with us.

Certainly, there have been tears and concern about what will happen. My husband, who is the best friend God could have given me, is a rock. He knows what to do and say and when to do or say it.

My children and my family and friends have rallied around me.

But my hope and my absolute promise is Jesus.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower

Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

I have peace that only He could have given to my family and to me.

My testimony has always been that I am thankful for every choice that God has made for my life, even the hard things. And this has not caused me to change my mind.

I’m no suffering martyr. I hate pain and fear. But I love God, and I trust Him to do whatever He knows it will take to get me safely home to Him.

Believers can’t trust that if they don’t know the Bible. It’s His Promise-Kept!

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Following Jesus doesn’t shield us from pain but loving Him gives me immense joy. I enjoy loving God and others, finding happiness in serving them and seeing others come to know the Savior.

I love hearing my grandkids say the name, Jesus. I enjoy watching the people at our church greet one another with kindness and brotherly love.

I am encouraged to hear how the Gospel is flourishing in places where it seems impossible, like China, Africa, and Iran, and I wish it would flourish in places like America and Britain again.

All of this and more is life in the spirit of a believer. No physical limitations on this earth or threat of death can rob this type of peace and joy. Death is just the beginning of wonder and fulfillment of God’s promises for believers and brings us into the Prescence of our Savior!

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

So, while no healthy-minded believer has a death wish, we should never fear it. Let’s resolve to let our testimonies be echoes of the verses below:

My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Job 23:11 (ESV)

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

John 14:21 (ESV)

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

John 14:23 (ESV)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”

John 14:27 & 28 (ESV)

All the way my Savior leads me.
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt his tender mercy,
Who thru’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus fashions all things well.¹