With us all being so sick, including Bob, we have had to cancel church for the past 3 weeks. That alone throws life off, add to that the fact that we have all felt like doing nothing but sit and stare into space, or sleep,…you get the idea.
BESIDES all of us being sick/getting well, dear Joshua had a gall bladder attack. His gall bladder was functioning at 24%. The ER doctor told him it had to go, but we needed to get a referral from his primary physician (PCP). The PCP made an appointment for Monday (which would have been yesterday). Since we had to go to the hospital for me to have my labwork down, and the surgeons office was right across the street, Bob and Joshua went to the surgeons office while I had my blood drawn. When they met me back at the hospital waiting room, they were on their way back to the ER bcz the surgeon wanted to see Josh up there. There was some confusion and mixed messages about this but the surgeon arrived much sooner than I thought he would. He looked over the previous lab results, ultrasound, etc; then he ran through some of the common symptoms of gall bladder trouble (Joshua had them all for a LONG time); then he drew some pictures of what he planned to do, and assured us that if there was only blockage he’d clear that and leave the gall bladder in place. The Dr. admitted him right then, Thurs. afternoon, and he would have surgery on Fri. morning.
Surgery went well, but Joshua felt a lot worse than he thought he would. He told us when they took him to the OR he had to tell them not to start bcz he wasn’t out yet. LOL They allowed him to stay at the hospital until Sunday afternoon. The surgeon told him Sun. that he is surprised the ER Dr. let him go home bcz Joshua’s gall bladder was so enlarged from all the backed up bile, that it’s a miracle it didn’t burst. Praise the LORD for His protection.
Joshua is home and on the mend. He has the usual pain, but is glad it’s over with.
Anyway, as many of you know, since last Sept. or Oct. our family has been through a lot. Many storms have come our way, and you start to wonder if you will survive it all.
On Sunday we listened to this sermon, and it was such a blessing and encouragement that I thought I would share the outline and link with all of you. Maybe you are weathering a storm right now. Just remember Jesus cares and knows all about it. You might feel forgotten by your friends, and loved one, but He is there, guiding, protecting and ensuring that you don’t drown when the waves go over you head.
A storm that seems small to you, may be huge to someone else. When you’ve gone through a hurricane or tornado or survived a blizzard a heavy rain or snow might seem small to you, but to one who has only seen a shower or flurries here and there, even a little have rain or few inches of snow might be all it takes to rock their world. Keeping that thought in mind helps me to have compassion on others when they cry or even whine about something that seems small to me, because from where they are seated it’s BIG.
This sermon was really perfect for me. It blessed me so much.
How to Find Peace in the Midst of Your Storm
John 6:16-21
(Program 2158, Airing on 08.31.08)
I. I AM GOVERNED BY HIS PROVIDENCE
A. Matthew 14:22
B. Psalm 107:24
II. I AM GROWING BY HIS PLAN
A. Psalm 4:1
B. There are two types of storms
i. Correcting storms – when we’re outside the will of God
ii. Perfecting storms – when we’re inside the will of God; God uses the storm to grow us
III. I AM GRACED BY HIS PRAYERS
A. The finished work of Jesus is Calvary; the unfinished work of Jesus is His prayer ministry
B. John 6:17
C. Matthew 14:23
D. Mark 6:47-48
E. Hebrews 7:25
IV. I AM GLADDENED BY HIS PRESENCE
A. John 6:20
B. Matthew 14:27
C. John 6:12-13
D. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
E. The Lord waited to calm the storm
i. Isaiah 30:18
ii. His wait is strategic and deliberate
1. Raising of Lazarus (John 11)
F. Habakkuk 2:3
V. I AM GUARDED BY HIS POWER
A. He is the Great I AM (John 6:20)
i. Proclamation of His presence
ii. Announcement of abundance
VI. I AM GUIDED BY HIS PURPOSE
A. John 6:21
http://www.lwf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8353&news_iv_ctrl=1381
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