The Weekly Encourager – July 27, 2015 – Authority

On our first full day of vacation far from home I had a medical emergency. I thank God that Dave had the presence of mind to take me to an urgent care facility, since I was in too much pain to think straight. He was leading me around because I could not open my eyes. It was frightening and distressing to be in pain and to lose my eyesight. Providentially, urgent care is close to our hotel and they were great. Later, I called my brother to tell him that I might not make it to the Daniels Reunion next week, where I was signed up to organize a cookout for 30 people. He urged me to call my regular ophthalmologist back home. I reached the on-call physician, who gave specific instructions and then called in a prescription to a pharmacy here. That is the wonder of modern technology and God's providence.

Later that evening, when I could see again, I read the story of the Centurion in the book of Matthew, and the Spirit spoke to me about Authority. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” - Matthew 8:8. Our Lord has ALL authority in heaven and on earth, and nothing is impossible with Him. Therefore if we experience pain or difficulty, it is all in His plan. That gave me great comfort and I was able to fall asleep. Thanks be to God for His mercy and grace! My eye condition has improved with treatment, and I've been sleeping well each night here in the hotel, a huge answer to prayer.

What did I learn from this? The surprise situation caught me unprepared. You would think that a “mature” Christian would call upon the Lord right away, but I honestly didn't think of it. I had been pretty stressed for weeks, quite low on sleep, and struggling with depression. My eyes had been on the things of this world, rather than on the Lord. Sometimes I get so worked up over everything that has to be done, especially just before a trip. I try to accomplish everything perfectly on my own, as if I could provide for all my own needs, as if I were the Alpha and Omega of my own destiny. Romans tells us that this is righteousness based on works. This is idolatry.

On Sunday, we visited a church here on vacation, and the sermon was on Psalm 46. The Holy Spirit spoke directly to me, reinforcing this lesson. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble! Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea!” I can tell you that losing my eyesight felt like the earth giving way, and I was afraid. The Lord says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Christ has been given all authority. He can make things happen with a word. Therefore He is the One in whom we must place our trust. No matter what happens, He will be exalted. We need not fear. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” - Psalm 46:11

I can look back on this week and realize that God had to literally take away my eyesight in order to get my eyes off of myself! The Israelites in the wilderness had to wander blindly for 40 years, but I only had to be led around for an hour. I had forgotten about the Lord, but God in His goodness provided others to care for me when I could not care for myself. Husband, hotel employee, nurse, brother, and physician were my manna from Heaven. The Lord never stopped loving me. The Lord never stopped protecting me. He truly showed Himself to be my Good Shepherd who is not willing that even one silly lamb be lost in the desert. He reminded me of my utter dependence upon His grace. He could take away my vision, my health, my family, my friends, my mental faculties, my home, or any other good gift at any time, with a single word. In Him we live and move and have our being. It is He that made us, not we ourselves. He is Authority personified. Yet He is mercy, too. I am not worthy to have Him come under my roof, yet He has come into my heart! Thank You, Lord! My heart is filled with praise.

God is faithful,
j