2010, The Year of Answered Prayers!

When I think of a way to sum up 2010, it was without a doubt a year of answered prayers!  And especially as the year drew to a close, the Lord amazed us with so many more answers, guiding Ashley and I straight into what we are certain is His perfect plan!   And here is something I wrote, last Wednesday, after I finally received the answer to a prayer I have been praying for ten years!  God is definitely up to something in the life of my family, from Kelly's answer to prayer after 12 years of crying to God, to my answer after ten years of frustration.  From all indications, God's got something big in store this year!  So welcome 2011, I am ready to share God's love in a BIG way this year!  And here is what I wrote Wednesday night.....

Fear Not!   For He knows the plans He has for us!

Its interesting that over the last few years, and especially the last few months, God has impressed on my heart daily, or should I say spoken to me in an almost audible voice to ‘Fear Not!”   One of my favorite verses in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.“  Those words have rung out in my mind, have been forged on my heart, and are now coming to light!  

There is nothing more trying to one’s spirit than battling a physical abnormality that leaves you with decreased mobility, senses, and reasoning.  I have learned personally in the last few years and especially months what it is like to feel helpless, searching for answers, frustrated, and crying out to God for the answers!  

And then… the answers come….  And for me after ten long years of searching, those answers have come today!  And now, I am not sure the answers make the path easier, in fact it feels more scary, and makes me even more dependent on God ALONE!

Doctors have answers, opinions, strategies for our physical ailments, but only God has the healing power!  Man can search, study, and scrutinize every detail of the human body, only to find an intricate system created by a magnificent God!   Every detail from the hairs on our head, to the electrical impulses in our brain, they were all created by a God who loves us!  A God who wants nothing more than for us to love Him with all our heart!

As I write tonight, my mind is burdened for so many others, who are also facing roads of uncertainty.   Those of you who are faced with grim outcomes by the worlds standards, for those of you who are growing weary in well doing!  Stay strong, God is still there, and you are in the hands of a The Great Physician!

I can not believe I even question God at times such as these, for it is in these times when I feel alone and afraid, I find the most amazing peace that passes all understanding!  A peace that makes me not fear tomorrow!   “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…  Matthew 6:34  For some of you, me in particular, we need to lay claim to that verse, hold God to his EVERY word, for he CARES for you!  Yes, you, right where you are today, He is there and will forever walk with you!

Being a nurse, I like scientific answers for each medical problem.  I need a clear plan of treatment, prognosis, and options.  I need to follow the projected path until I have conquered the obstacle ahead.  But it is in following these pre - set guidelines that I find there is only ONE with all the right answers! Only One whose diagnosis is always correct, only One whose treatment plan is always a success, and only One who gives an incredible outcome!

Looking for a second opinion today?  Searching for alternative options to your  diagnosis?  Look no farther but to the very one who created you!  For He formed you, perfected each and every detail, and you ARE His child!  Hard lessons to learn but once you have fallen in love with an amazing God, the outcome will always be far greater than you can imagine!   Hold him at His word, He hasn’t left you, and He never will!

As I sit here tonight, knowing my diagnosis, reviewing the man made plans before me, it is a time that I truly evaluate my life.  Each day, each moment, now seems even more precious.  Each obstacles, each triumph seems priceless.  And yet, they seem but for a fleeting second.  They seem to be out of my control and for me a loss of control equals panic!

There are so many drugs available now, so many “feel good” remedies to help elevate your worries!  Being a GYN nurse, I am well acquainted with the number of hurting woman.  Woman who are at their whits in, woman who are in desperate need of a release of built up emotions.    Most just want someone to listen, some one to care, and for someone to give them that magic cure!

My heart breaks for case after case that I see of hurting people with no real HOPE!  We have exhausted our medical arsenal, we have tried every remedy imaginable, and yet we are still left feeling hopeless, frazzled, and in need of more medicine!  Our hearts are heavy, our minds are overloaded, and our bodies are beyond repair!

It is such a relief to know that as I sit here tonight, I have the tried and true remedy!  That I do not have to get a second opinion.  No more late night searching, no more painful test, my cure is Jesus!  For at the mention of His name, healing begins!  Your fears subside, your turmoil quiets, and your peace flows!  Need a dose of this medicine?  Just call on his name, the prescription is free, will never expire, and last forever!

Here's to an amazing 2011!  God is up to something BIG and I can't wait to share His love with others!