Blessed Beyond Measure

As I write these few thoughts, I'm filled with gratitude that God has blessed me beyond measure in spite of the temporary setbacks that sometimes paralyze me. God has lavished His love on me and given me so very much to be grateful for.

Today I spent some time with a younger brother in my office! They were precious moments! Two siblings with similar concerns! Our time was well spent. Jim came to bring my birthday card and a coffee. Following our time together, I picked up my mentor, Paul Collet, and then had lunch with another brother, Jon. Again, we had a wonderful time!

God provided for our needs again today in very unique ways. Nathan (10) is attending Golf Camp. Every other young boy had their own clubs. Nathan had some hand-me-downs that were lent to him at the golf course. We had seen a good set for beginners that were on sale for $129.00. Setting all logic aside and thinking only of Nathan's struggle for self-esteem, I decided to buy the clubs. So what happened? A cheque arrives in the mail today for $140.00 U.S. With the tax on the golf clubs, the amount came to what the U.S. cheque translated into in Canadian funds. Hallelujah!

These GOD-THINGS happen time and time again!

Yes, it was a good day!

As I read and hear the heartaches of so many of our PILGRIM PALS and others, I can't get away from the truth that God meets us where we are hurting most and salves our wounds with the balm of His Word, His love, His divine presence.

My life has been strewn with rough patches, pot holes, heartaches but at every intersection along the journey...GOD WAS THERE.

Here are a few thoughts I penned about five (5) years ago:

As I sit here in my “safe place”, my attic office in my grandparents’ home, I’m at the same time filled with gratitude to our eternal God and troubled with an anxious heart. The cares of this life can bring us low and render us supposedly powerless.

As I write, I’m very conscious of the unrest that surrounds us in the world. Every day I hear of God’s people who are struggling with various issues in their lives. Prodigal children, unemployment, sickness, broken relationships . . . the list goes on and on. People are afraid!

But, in the midst of the trials, God is an ever-present help. He has not abandoned us. “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27. As I write these scrambled thoughts, I’m listening to a CD which is bringing great comfort and encouragement. It is entitled, “Comfort, Peace and Hope”. A narrator reads scriptures that lift the soul. Instrumental music provides a soothing background.

One of the scriptures that brought particular blessing to me is found in Proverbs 12:25. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” As I meditate, pray and wait on God, I am reminded of the compelling call of God upon my life . . . to write letters, cards and notes of encouragement. I cannot escape His command to write. When I fail to carry out His mandate on my life, I’m discouraged, troubled and defeated. When I write, I feel His pleasure.

This morning I am reminded that I often write out of my own personal hurts and pain. Discouragement is an ever-present companion it seems. Not a friend whose company I enjoy, but the more despair I sense personally, the more I’m urged to write to others. Another scripture that moves my heart as I write is penned by the prophet Isaiah who wrote, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1(b)-3(a)

And finally, two verses from Peter’s first epistle . . . “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) “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 your strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10,11)

Be encouraged today, dear friend! We have an awesome, loving God who carries us in His everlasting arms. Fall back into His arms today and give Him all your cares. He cares for you!