Today at church our pastor interviewed me about my story along with a few other families and their stories. Since they went first I was able to listen to the details of their trials, trying not to cry before I went up. (no luck) I was amazed, however, to hear their stories and the struggles they had to face.
The first family talked of the trials and heartache of having a child with Downs Syndrome but how God used that little boy to grow their faith and draw them closer to Him. As the little boy, Noah, was up on stage with them, it was evident to all that he was truly a blessing. Little Noah not only had the love of his parents but he captured the heart of the whole church as he sang "God Bless America" in his own words. He was a shining example of the grace of God through disability. The love for him and the love for God his parents had was uplifting and inspiring.
The next lady interviewed had terminally cancer. It is incurable and she is running out of time. I could not hold back tears as she talked about her surrender to God and acceptance of her fate. The quiet strength and undieing faith were moving to all there. I remember thinking "wow, I don't know if I could be that courageous if faced with her condition." She has a love for God that allows her peace and perhaps a little readiness to be with Him. She is amazing to me!
Then it was my turn. As I shared my story, I was reminded of the overwhelming hurt and loss of that time but also the undeniable answer to prayer and the peace that only comes from God. I have to shake my head sometimes at the memory of it all and am amazed of what we endured. I know it was inspirational to others but like the first two families, don't feel like the glory goes to me. Without doubt it goes to almighty God.
What is truly incredible to me is the love that God has for everyone. Any one of use can go through terrible trials and His love, compassion and peace is sufficient for us all. Why some endure more than others, I don't know. But I am for certain that we are all capable, through him, to withstand more than we think ourselves able. His love for the poor, uneducated and diseased is just as strong as the rich, genius and beautiful. I love that about God because he does not hold me to any earthly standards. The rest of the world may judge me based on my status, looks and abilities, but He does not. His strength is suffecient for all struggles, trials and fears. He is greater than all these and carries us through our darkest hours.
As I was leaving the church, a man thanked me for sharing and said that he would not have had the strength like I did. I told him that he would have because my strength didn't come from me. It came from God and he would do the same for him if he was given a trial to face. We are all children of God. And just as I am a parent, he does not love one child more than another.
So trust me friend, when and if you face difficult struggles in life, believe that God will give you the peace and courage to go through it. He will be by your side holding you up not willing that you would fall. He is your comfort, he is your peace, he is your strength, he is your provider, he is your heavenly father!
