Day 78 - September 1 - More than conquerors
I've been living for the last two months on the principle that God provides enough to carry us through the day, referencing God's daily provision of manna as an example. I guess I should have gone and read Exodus 16 earlier. I was reading Romans 8:35-37 today, and I looked at it in a different way than normal. Normally, we refer to these verses in light of salvation, but they are really talking about the love of God. And they say an interesting thing - that in these situations, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Wait a minute - MORE than conquerors? If that's true, then why am I trudging along like a starving victim of fate through my day? So I actually went and read the story about manna, and I learned that while I knew the story, I didn't KNOW the story. Seems that Moses actually tells the folks to go get as much manna as they want. Some gathered a lot, some just a little. But then they measured it, and the ones who gathered a lot didn't have any left over, and the ones who gathered a little had enough. Hmmm. That would mean that you could gather as much manna each day as you wanted, and that would be the right amount to see you through that day.
Now, remember that the God who provided the manna is the same one who loves us in Romans 8. And if the One who loves us says "gather as much as you want" and makes us more than conquerors over such things as tribulation and distress, why am I content to trudge? Trudging is not a method of transportation that befits a conqueror (much less someone who is MORE than a conqueror). So in the words of my teenagers, what up with that?
I'm not sure yet exactly how to go about being more than a conqueror by availing myself of more of God's provision, but just knowing it is possible means I'm gonna go find out. The story of the manna is true - however much I gather, that will see me through the day. But if I gather more, that would put me closer to the "I don't trudge anymore" category, right?
This evening Connor had, and gave us, a bit of a scare. We were visiting with some friends in the waiting room, but our visit was cut short abruptly by his nurse coming into the room looking for Connor's parents. We bolted up to see what was wrong, and she said that he wanted us. When we went into the room, we found that a lady a few doors down had passed away about 15 minutes after telling her son "OK, I'll see you tomorrow". This distressing situation and the resultant chaos promptly drove Connor's anxiety level through the roof and he wanted us near him. We came alongside him and comforted him, but it was a nerve-wracking moment for this son of ours.
He remains anxious about tomorrow and what the next days and weeks will bring, but is struggling to rely on God's provision. He also is wrestling with the changes in his medications, which continues to stress him and prevent him from resting.
Please be praying for him regarding tomorrow. They did the blood tests today and it appears we're "go" for launch, so we're trying to wrap up our Fresno life and get ready to move. Many new stressors on top of those we carry daily.
One thing about the move - once we get to Valley, they tell us to expect two to three days of intense activity as they get him settled in. I would ask that those who want to visit him wait until I let you know through the blog when things have settled down. We don't yet know what his days are going to look like, but I'm sure the first few are going to be exceedingly stressful for him. We are all eager for him to see his friends again, but please help us by exercising your patience a few more days!
We love you all. Thank you for your continued prayer and support.
Eric
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 10:25 PM
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8 Comments:
Dear Williamson Family,
Praying for you all to find peace tonight - so many changes...
Praying for your move tomorrow - that every need will be met.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8
Amen!
Sandi
Gilroy
Normally, I would leave my conversation with Eric to some private phone call when he feels he needs to talk, but this morning, I feel that 'push' to make it public.
I would encourage you, Eric and Cherié, to remember that as your faith is refined in this fiery crucible, it is not your faith alone that is being refined.
We see daily evidence in each of us who follow the events on ConnorWatch that our faith is being refined as well. We hear this reported by many of those who have shared their hearts and struggles with us on this blog.
More importantly, perhaps, is that as you struggle to care for your son in the best way possible, is that it is his faith that is being refined. These things you see as obstacles, setbacks, and challenges to your faith may be the very trials designed to temper the steel that Connor will be called upon to carry in this world.
What you see as a fiery crucible may be little more than a shadow of the inferno in which Connor's faith is being forged, and the growth that you and Cherié have experienced may be only a consequence of being close to Connor during these days.
I am confident that our God has designed these events for good: in your lives, in our lives, and in Connor's life. As you make decisions about Connor's future, and about what you see as good or bad, remember that God chose Connor for this, and it is not just in you, or us, but in Connor that a great work is being done.
Consider that Connor must experience these obstacles, setbacks, and challenges for Connor's sake, because as He has promised, God has designed this for the good of Connor as well.
Your brother,
Brad
Sawyer, MI
Dear Tex, Cherie, Joelle & Connor - Sounds like the next few days will be extremely trying and stressful. I'll be hoping things settle down as quickly as possible for everyone and your new routine will be a bit easier than the last few. Thinking of you always.
Lisa S.
I would pray that God's peace that transcends all our understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
His Righteous right-hand will hold you all up.
Prayers and blessings on this big transition.
Bonnie
Thanks Brad, you are so right on! So many people are growing and learning to trust the Lord through Connor's sufferings, thank you Connor and thank you Lord. I love the story about the manna how God gives us just what we need for each day, thank you again Lord. Another thing, just remember if you all weren't walking with the Lord, the Lord wouldn't have been able to use you in this trial, it's only because He knew how much you love Him that this all works (like Job)He's using you for His Kingdom, that is so awesome and no matter how much this is breaking your heart we know God is proud of His good and faithful servants you all are a blessing.
One of my Devotions for Today it is good and I wanted to share.
Micca Monda Campbell
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7
Devotion:
Times are tough. People everywhere are losing their jobs, their homes, and their hope. If it has happened to you, then you know how devastating loss can be. You know what it feels like to be at the mercy of a job interviewer, or enslaved to a credit lender. It can leave us feeling less than.
Most of us seek identity in our jobs, dreams, talents, or peers. The people we love, the things we own, and the job we do often defines who we are. When we lose those things, we feel as though we have lost our identity. After that, what else is left?
The good news is--there is more left than we realize. This was true for Daniel after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The king ordered for some royal family Israelites to be taken into captivity. The order specified those who were attractive, smart, healthy, and who would make good servants to the king. Daniel was among them. They were also told what to eat and what to drink.
I imagine most the captives were distraught by all they had lost. They had been taken from their home, their land, and their people. But Daniel and his friends responded differently than most. They chose not to look at what they had lost but rather what they still had left.
Daniel had faith. He knew that the true King was large and in charge. Nebuchadnezzar may have been king of Babylon, but God was the King of Daniel.
Trusting God to work on his behalf, Daniel asked that he not have to defile himself by eating the king's food. Despite the official's hesitation, he granted Daniel's request due to God's favor.
As children of God, we do not have to lose heart or succumb to the world's ways either. No matter what kind of situation we are placed in, God can make the impossible possible. The Lord also gave knowledge and understanding to Daniel along with his three friends. This caught the king's attention. No one else in the kingdom could compare to these four. So, they entered the king's service without violating their faith and remained there until a new king took the throne.
Unfortunately, everyone experiences times of loss--a job, a friendship, a dream. Even so, our worth and identity are not found in these things. Nor is it found in our failures or losses. Your value and mine is in God and the amount of faith we have in Him.
When we find ourselves in our own Babylons, let's not look at what we've lost but at what we have left--our faith! It may be shaken but it can't be taken. Faith, like Daniel's, provides hope in a God who is large and in charge over every authority. That, my friend, is no loss. That is great gain.
Dear Lord, My focus has been on my circumstances instead of on You. Today, I chose to put my trust in You. I believe that You are aware of my situation and are working on my behalf. Fill my soul with peace and help me to rest in Your care. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Instead of focusing on your loss, make a list of all you still have left.
Power Verses:
Psalm 138:7, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me." (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." (NIV)
God Bless and keep you all and give you traveling mercies, as you gather just enough manna for today, O taste and see that the Lord He is good, Amen!
Praying in Downey
I'm praying for your peace this morning.
As you go from "unknown" to "unknown" in this foreign world that you've been thrown into - you might be feeling a little unsettled about leaving Fresno. If you are, it is only because this is what you've "known" for the last 76 days. You know the routine there. You've been asked to change your routine. It's a good change, but it's still a change. Sometimes that is a little difficult when you are in a completely foreign world.
Lord, I pray that this family feels YOUR consistency in this move. Thank You for going before Connor and preparing this place for him. I pray that he feels Your Peace as he is set in the place that You made for him. In Christ's Name. Amen.
We are praying so much for you...Walking this walk...so difficult... We know our God is going with you... He is sending the "cloud by day and the fire by night"..WE are lifting up your "hands"... and may His overwhelming peace be the anchor of your soul..
Big love and big big hugs to connor..
Expecting good days ahead...
With lots of love and prayer,
The MacPhail's
Though you never wanted to be in Fresno, it became the familiar. Now that has to change, and it'll probably be a bit scary and cause some vertigo. I love what Lori Bonaparte wrote and echo her thoughts and prayer. I particularly like:
"Lord, I pray that this family feels YOUR consistency [I'll add constancy to this] in this move."
I'm praying for you all in this time of transition.
Love you all,
Jenann
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