Nov 10, 2006

Deliverer

"But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them...so the land had rest forty years." (Judges 3:7-11)

This is the theme from the book of Judges. The people of Israel rebelled and were oppressed by a foreign power, then they asked God for someone to save them, so God gave them someone and they are rescued and had peace. The problem is, though, that these judges kept dying, so when the deliverer died (only forty years later in this case) Israel turned away from God went right back to where they were. That is, until God gave them another deliverer.

Why do we need to be reminded of how it used to be? Because we have been given the Deliverer who lives forever! Through his death, we have peace, not more turmoil.
Although he owed the Israelites nothing, he continued to give them judges to bring about peace with other countries. Although he owes us nothing, he gave us his Son to bring about peace with himself! Let us be reminded that God will go to any length to be good. Keep praying!

The wonderful social worker Ian has for the weekend talked to the insurance company today, and she gave them "what for." The insurance company then agreed to let him stay at LifeCare until Monday (instead of sending him to a nursing home). Loretta even made sure to visit and pray for him.

Also, today his therapy team said they had a "very positive session." He was relatively active, and he "aahh"ed again on command.

Thank you for all you are doing, even if it's "just" praying!

-Ben

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey!
Jana told me about this site and I am so happy you all are posting up to date information about Ian's progress.
My mom has been asking Jana what to say on the prayer chain updates, but now she can get the info. right from the source.
Praise God for giving everyone this chance to be with Ian again and be able to touch him and talk to him.
Not only is this another HUGE sign to Christians that God is real, but I have been able to have amazing conversations with my non-Christian friends about Ian. Almost all of them have surprised me by saying that God does exist and God is faithful... some of these people in the past have said that God does not exist. God is so good and continues to amaze me!
I know it is hard to be thankful in a time like this, but for some encouragement, God is using this as another testament of this mercy, faithfulness, and strength!
This is a passage from my fav. chapter in Psalms...I hope it uplifts and encourages you as it does me.
Psalm 91
"...for He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

You're all in our prayers!
God Bless and stay strong
Ali McDaniel
Bethlehem, PA