In the Middle of It

I want to take a minute to thank a very dear friend of mine for introducing me to this song tonight.  She has just gone through (and still going through) one of the toughest battles of her life.  Her young son was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 9 months ago.  They immediately left for Memphis, Tennessee to get care at St. Jude's Hospital.

Without too much detail, her time there was very faith tested.  Nevertheless, she made it through with "flying colors" but not without much tears shed and knees raw from prayer.  There were times I would feel this overwhelming leading to pray and cry for her right here in NJ.  One night in particular, I felt she had suffered a loss.  Since we barely spoke (time difference and her busy schedule), I had to rely on the Holy Ghost to keep me connected.  When I felt this loss, I cried until my sides hurt.  Sure enough, as we spoke tonight, while she was in Tennessee tending to her precious child, her best friend of over 30 years was called home to be with Jesus.

Seemed so unfair to me, in the natural realm that is.  My friend was going through so much already..now to lose her true best friend?  She couldn't even help bury her.  She had to tend to her son.  I was so heavy-hearted when I heard this.  Does it ever seem like too much is too much???  Have you ever encountered a season of hard times that is relentless and unending?  Like waves pounding hard over our head---no time to catch our breath!  It puts us in true survival mode.

There is no time to be fancy or worry about things that are insignificant like the laundry and the bills.  No, there's no time for it.  There is no time for pretty make-up and nice hair-do days.  No way.  We are in the 911 zone.  It is us against every doubt on earth that comes alive and tries to suck the life out of us--along with every ounce of faith we have.

I want to thank God for my sister.  Her testimony and faithful praise reports took my heart from the dirt to the glorious Presence of the Lord this evening.  Her trials and triumphs helped to free me from my pain.  All I heard in my heart was "He is FAITHFUL.  HE IS FAITHFUL."

Thank you, Lord, for the reminder.  Thank you , Lord, for my friend.  Thank You, Lord, for her son's healing.  He shall go forth and heal many himself.  In Jesus' Name. AMEN


"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."  1 Peter 5:10