Ian didn't have a good day today. He was asleep for the therapists, and he was asleep for Larissa and the McKelvys. It's days like these (which he has more infrequently now, I think) that provide some temptations. The more I think about Philippians 4:4-7, though, the sweeter one phrase becomes. Here's the passage again: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The phrase that becomes sweeter to me the more I meditate on it is "the Lord is at hand."
The Lord who died for me and for Ian is at hand. The Lord who rules the universe and is perfectly capable of ruling our unique set of circumstances is on top of this. The Lord who cares for us and whose favor was demonstrated by Christ's death for us is very much involved. The Lord who is powerful yet also mysterious and who is not required to answer to us for his actions is nevertheless at hand. This is either true because Scripture is true or it's not true at all. The Lord is at hand ruling. The Lord is at hand to heal. The Lord is at hand to comfort. The Lord is at hand to guide. The Lord is at hand though I can't see Him.
The powerful emotions that I experience require the leash of God's Word; it's comforting to be yanked back by it. I would run into the path of all kinds of trouble were it not for that trustworthy leash of God's Word bringing me back.
Thank you for praying for Ian.
Steve
The Lord who died for me and for Ian is at hand. The Lord who rules the universe and is perfectly capable of ruling our unique set of circumstances is on top of this. The Lord who cares for us and whose favor was demonstrated by Christ's death for us is very much involved. The Lord who is powerful yet also mysterious and who is not required to answer to us for his actions is nevertheless at hand. This is either true because Scripture is true or it's not true at all. The Lord is at hand ruling. The Lord is at hand to heal. The Lord is at hand to comfort. The Lord is at hand to guide. The Lord is at hand though I can't see Him.
The powerful emotions that I experience require the leash of God's Word; it's comforting to be yanked back by it. I would run into the path of all kinds of trouble were it not for that trustworthy leash of God's Word bringing me back.
Thank you for praying for Ian.
Steve
5 comments:
How refreshing it is to see that you can still find comfort in the 'bad' days. Everyone, please keep the fun times with Ian stories coming, as I really enjoy reading what this wonderful man of God was like pre-accident....so I can anticipate the return with the family. In my prayers.......
Steve,
....I don't know what to say...you are so grounded in the Word!
God bless you!
Still praying!
Mary Ann K.
Dear courageous and faithful friends of Ian:
I have been following your dear Ian's progress since last fall. I would be denying God the honor that is due Him to neglect to give testimony to His amazing power to bring good out of something that has been so painful - in someone's life who has never met one of you!
To witness, through your posts, the ways God continues to heal Ian in miraculous ways is astounding indeed and stirs faith and gratitude in my heart! However, as you each have shared honestly of your battle for faith in Christ alone and his goodness through this heart-breaking affliction, God has been at work in my own heart as I've read your posts, bringing to light unbelief and anxiety that has been residing there. 1 Peter 1:8 says, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." You each have provided a visible example of the truth of that scripture as you have walked by faith and not by sight. God has wrought that miracle in your own hearts thru the months that he has been healing Ian. My faith has been both challenged and encouraged to persevere in prayer, motivated by faith, for the salvation of my own son who left the faith of his childhood 14 years ago.
Thank you for humbly opening this window into your hearts, allowing us to come along as you've traveled this journey of faith. What a beautiful picture of God's power to save us from the despair and weariness that would threaten to engulf us. Our God will continue to strengthen you with His might and to uphold you in his righteous right hand - that His glory might be seen in the land of the living.
Praising God,
Cathy from Living Hope Church
Steve and Mary,
John and I are praying for Ian to someday awake, so he can make more movies with David. John loves to be a part of their movies and Ian really makes him laugh and laugh. He watches the movies and still laughs just as hard as the first time watching them.
I would love for him to awake so he could see what a beautiful bride Larisa we be! There are so many people awaiting the day when he awakens. We will continue to pray for that day. Thank you Jesus for bringing Ian this far. Please continue to heal and restore him to the old Ian.
Love,
John and Kristy
Oh Steve, your comments today so struck home with me! I am "tempted" (okay, I am tempted) to be anxious on the way to the hospital each morning: Did Livi have a bad night, what will today be like, etc. etc." So today I read: "Today's mercies for today's troubles; tomorrow's mercies for tomorrow's troubles. "As your days so shall your strength be." Deut. 33:25 Don't be anxious about tomorrow. The troubles and mercies are appointed day by day. I do know that his ways are not ways, and I know that our salvation is the greatest gift of all...so we continue to pray for Ian, Livi and you all (along with others) for healing and continued mercy. I strive not to question God, for I know that he is the author of all good gifts and he with holds no good thing from us. So that tells me all this is for my good, even though I cannot see it. We love you all,,,GLA
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