The Holy Spirit.
I'm reading a new book. Actually I'm reading several new books. But the one I am going to reflect on now is not only insightful, it's thought provoking, penetrating. I set it down every few moments and just pause. I pause to reflect.
The author of the book has everything he's ever wanted. The perfect wife, the perfect job, the perfect house, etc. On a day just like any other, he receives news that his wife is suffering from renal failure. In two years, she will have to receive regular dialysis treatments. In a few more years, her kidney will need a replacement. Six weeks after the diagnosis, his wife learns that the prognosis originally stated was incorrect. Her dialysis would start that day. Her life was going to change.
The author describes himself as a fighter. He tells of the endless hours of research he devoted himself too. His efforts to find any way he could to guarantee her quality of life were boundless. He did everything he could. It still wasn't enough. Years passed. These years were filled with doctor visits, dialysis, waiting lists, intensive care units, etc. One day, she decided it was time to let go. A countdown began... his efforts had failed.
This isn't the first time I've heard a story like this. I can't say I haven't played the role of the husband here: I've tried to fight fate, searching for answers in places that at some times are better left undiscovered. When do we as humans learn that it is time to hand it over to God? Does it take an extreme shaking for us to realize that we cannot control the ground we are standing on?
Sin is nasty. The snake himself is grinning with crooked teeth as we turn further and further away from God in questionable times. But the Holy Spirit doesn't leave. I imagine myself in bed on a summer night. The window is cracked and it lets in a breeze that sends a gentle chill down my spine. I reach over and grab a sheet and place it over myself. The heat of a blanket would be too much to bear, but the skin exposed to the air is a bit too bitter. The white sheet provides enough insulation for my body to be warm, yet cool enough to allow me to sleep perfectly.
Weird? Maybe. But to me, the Holy Spirit is this sheet. I have tried the blanket: it's too hot. I have tried to face the breeze alone, it's too cold. I grab this white piece of cloth that sometimes gets ignored. It's perfect. It covers me, protects me, even when I don't recognize it's there. And when I remember it is... Mmm... it feels great.
I want to keep reading this book. I'm curious what is to be said next. Should he have fought less against the fate that was assigned to him? Or should he have turned to God first? Could he have done it differently? Or was it all a part of God's plan?
I talked to an old friend today... He touched base with me about a week ago and said God was telling him to send up a few words for me. I couldn't let this opportunity for spiritual growth slip away from me. We are now prayer partners. It's easier to pray for other people. One thing that was said was that none of this life stuff is ever too easy, but it starts and ends with the Holy Spirit. Ask him to stand by you, he will.
The author of the book has everything he's ever wanted. The perfect wife, the perfect job, the perfect house, etc. On a day just like any other, he receives news that his wife is suffering from renal failure. In two years, she will have to receive regular dialysis treatments. In a few more years, her kidney will need a replacement. Six weeks after the diagnosis, his wife learns that the prognosis originally stated was incorrect. Her dialysis would start that day. Her life was going to change.
The author describes himself as a fighter. He tells of the endless hours of research he devoted himself too. His efforts to find any way he could to guarantee her quality of life were boundless. He did everything he could. It still wasn't enough. Years passed. These years were filled with doctor visits, dialysis, waiting lists, intensive care units, etc. One day, she decided it was time to let go. A countdown began... his efforts had failed.
This isn't the first time I've heard a story like this. I can't say I haven't played the role of the husband here: I've tried to fight fate, searching for answers in places that at some times are better left undiscovered. When do we as humans learn that it is time to hand it over to God? Does it take an extreme shaking for us to realize that we cannot control the ground we are standing on?
Sin is nasty. The snake himself is grinning with crooked teeth as we turn further and further away from God in questionable times. But the Holy Spirit doesn't leave. I imagine myself in bed on a summer night. The window is cracked and it lets in a breeze that sends a gentle chill down my spine. I reach over and grab a sheet and place it over myself. The heat of a blanket would be too much to bear, but the skin exposed to the air is a bit too bitter. The white sheet provides enough insulation for my body to be warm, yet cool enough to allow me to sleep perfectly.
Weird? Maybe. But to me, the Holy Spirit is this sheet. I have tried the blanket: it's too hot. I have tried to face the breeze alone, it's too cold. I grab this white piece of cloth that sometimes gets ignored. It's perfect. It covers me, protects me, even when I don't recognize it's there. And when I remember it is... Mmm... it feels great.
I want to keep reading this book. I'm curious what is to be said next. Should he have fought less against the fate that was assigned to him? Or should he have turned to God first? Could he have done it differently? Or was it all a part of God's plan?
I talked to an old friend today... He touched base with me about a week ago and said God was telling him to send up a few words for me. I couldn't let this opportunity for spiritual growth slip away from me. We are now prayer partners. It's easier to pray for other people. One thing that was said was that none of this life stuff is ever too easy, but it starts and ends with the Holy Spirit. Ask him to stand by you, he will.
you're deep. i like that.
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