In Revelation 13, sandwiched in between the images of two beasts who were "allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them" is a passage that caught my attention:
"If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints."
I forget there's a spiritual war going on. I forget that there are spiritual beasts (e.g. our culture's very unspiritual perspective on life, the enticements of things and pleasures, the pursuit of happiness in anything but God, etc.) who try to subdue and remove altogether my confidence in God and his promise of heaven. I forget that in this war some are taken captive by those beasts, and some even die.
Until Ian's car accident, I "forgot" that Christians suffer loss and heartache, too, and that Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life. Loss and heartache, like the captivity and death from the spiritual conflict, also "call for the endurance and faith of the saints." Thank God for His gracious power to endure and to trust Him. I couldn't do this on my own. Lord, help Ian to hear the call for endurance and faith and to trust your gracious work in his life.
Ian continues to take very small steps. He's been re-learning how to reach away from his body, and he does well at it. He's also doing well sitting up on his own (still with help from us).
Thank you for praying.
Steve
"If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints."
I forget there's a spiritual war going on. I forget that there are spiritual beasts (e.g. our culture's very unspiritual perspective on life, the enticements of things and pleasures, the pursuit of happiness in anything but God, etc.) who try to subdue and remove altogether my confidence in God and his promise of heaven. I forget that in this war some are taken captive by those beasts, and some even die.
Until Ian's car accident, I "forgot" that Christians suffer loss and heartache, too, and that Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life. Loss and heartache, like the captivity and death from the spiritual conflict, also "call for the endurance and faith of the saints." Thank God for His gracious power to endure and to trust Him. I couldn't do this on my own. Lord, help Ian to hear the call for endurance and faith and to trust your gracious work in his life.
Ian continues to take very small steps. He's been re-learning how to reach away from his body, and he does well at it. He's also doing well sitting up on his own (still with help from us).
Thank you for praying.
Steve
4 comments:
The chorus of this song comes to mind as I pen this to you
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
I don't know any of you or Ian. But I believe this is what Jesus wanted me to experience today.I have been on this blog the whole day, randomly running through archives. The Lord showed me so many things, thank you.
I pray that each of you serving Ian be filled with strength to persevere in this situation. I pray for Ian that during this time, He would experience Christ in a much deeper way.
God bless and continual providence of all types from THE GREAT I AM
Abba Father, thank you
- In prayers, Sharun (Mumbai - India)
Excellent words Steve. Excellent!
The world teaches that courage is foraging ahead with reckless self confidence, confidence in the "strenght of the human spirit"
True Godly courage is placing one foot ahead of the other shaking in our boots, but knowing the God of the Universe holds our hand, guides our steps, and catches us when we fall.
He is not a cosmic force field to protect us from all danger; but a finely woven safety net where salvation, comfort, and rest are found.
Thank you again for you words of faith and courage.
Sandy Kimmel
I am truly humbled when I see how many people, worldwide, are reading this blog site. It is just another way that the Lord shows me that He is doing exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Thanks again Steve for sharing. We are all benefiting from the wisdom the Lord is giving you over and over again. Still knocking, seeking and asking and am thankful for every answer to prayer...
Chris Pusateri
it's been a long time since i've heard anything about Ian. i was on facebook, saw a link to the "pray for ian" group, and clicked the link to this blog spot. i am definately praying for ian, that he continues to progress. love you all.
(m bosse jr)
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