In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him. -1 Peter 1:6-8
I had an interesting moment with the Presence of God at our Stronghold Ministry monthly prayer meeting. A new c
ouple had joined us. Grace, whose name was chosen before the foundation of the world, is caretaker of her husband, Bill, who is battling ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, a debilitating condition that is both terminal and painful.
I was watching this couple in awe of their poise, and was thinking, “I couldn’t do that.” I knew I was moved, but I didn’t fully know what I was experiencing until I arrived home and asked Jesus to open my eyes – this is what He showed me:
“Terri, you were sitting in the fellowship of My suffering, the glory that rests on those I choose to walk the road of pain for a season. My grace is all over them. When Joe went through the shadow of death with his cancer, many were surprised at how you persevered through it. Even your doctor remarked that you were a major tool in Joe’s healing! You laughed and said, ‘Oh no, this is Jesus – all Jesus!’ Your weakness was so obvious to you, and you felt My grace so strongly. I was carrying you! You even fear Joe’s cancer coming back because you don’t feel the grace I would give you then. Grace and Bill have My abundance for them now, you saw Me!”
I experienced something more precious than gold that night – faith in the midst of suffering. I was in the presence of God’s glory, His “Shekinah Glory.” It was shining brighter than I could take in, God’s smile and provision was in that place.
Lord, teach us how to lean on Your grace and not our own strength.
Terri & Joe, my brother just passed into Jesus’ arms early this morning. So this post is timely and heartwarming for me. There is unspeakable ministry by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of both caregivers and loved ones facing difficult illnesses, but let me tell you – His faithfulness blows me away. John had his copy of “In His Grip” right by his hospital bed when he passed. He read it again and again until the morphine dulled his abilities near the end. I can’t tell you how much your ministry has touched my family, especially my baby brother who needed spiritual encouragement in those dark nights of the soul. He pulled through with a glorious faith, strengthened by the Lord through many words you wrote in that book. He felt immensely blessed to know someone cared about his value and worth as a human being, and who, without even knowing him, poured forth such compassion and empathy for what he was going through. Thank you for all you do. I give thanks to God for you daily. Your ministry helped me get through these difficult months. God continues to use you in ways you may not even realize.
Dear Vicki,
You are so right- He is so faithful – no matter what we are going through. As He demonstrated with John, even in the last days of our lives He will be with us – He is the Ultimate Caretaker. We are honored to be used of the Lord even a little to help lighten the load. Thanks for your encouragement, Vicki.
In His Grip indeed,
Joe Fornear