No Matter What
Jul 25, 2021 | by The Fellowship
Last fall, my wife and I felt the Lord calling us to move from the Bay Area of California to Houston. We and our three children arrived in December with a feeling of excitement in starting this new journey. In February, we moved into our new home in Richmond -- and the big snowstorm/deep freeze hit soon after. Living out of suitcases, all that my children and I had were our clothes and sleeping bags. At that time, my wife was still working in California while flying back and forth to be with us.
We had no idea what to expect or how to prepare for the storm and did not know anyone in Texas. My wife was fervently praying and felt the Lord’s impression “to reach out to the community.” She had an old friend who lives in Texas and messaged her for help. It turns out her friend lives just about 10 minutes from us! Her husband ventured out in the snow to bring us canned food, blankets, a flashlight, candles, and other necessities. Then our friend’s brother and sister-in-law showed up at our door with drinking water. Amazingly, we had attended the same church in California five years before, and the wife had cared for our youngest in the nursery when he was a newborn! We learned they were members at The Fellowship and very soon that became our church home.
Just a couple of weeks ago, we returned to Katy from a trip to California. I immediately wanted to tackle mowing our overgrown lawn as heavy rains had kept that from happening while we were gone.
My wife was talking to our realtor who mentioned that all the downpours had resulted in many homeowners experiencing leaks. I decided to inspect our home for leaks prior to getting to the lawn. Making my way to the second floor, I unlocked the door to the attic. Though there was no sign of leaks, I did spot a wasp and went after it. In my determination to kill the wasp, I inadvertently stepped off the walkway and fell through the ceiling!
I found myself in the master closet on my back with pain shooting up my right leg. My family came running and 911 was called. I looked down and my right foot was hanging awkwardly from where my ankle should be! My prayers and those of my family were storming heaven!
The fire department and EMTs arrived and placed me in an ambulance which headed to the hospital. The pain was excruciating, but I received medication that gave some relief before getting X-rayed. A dislocated ankle was revealed, and a doctor set it – but told my wife that surgery will probably be required because it was so shattered. An appointment was scheduled with an orthopedist.
Just learning to balance on my left leg and use crutches to walk was a challenge. Initially, I felt weak, helpless, a burden and deeply sorry for myself because all my plans had to be put on hold. I just wanted to hide!
Being practically helpless means my pregnant wife, three children and mother-in-law must tend to my needs, but it is bringing a new dimension to our relationships. While receiving a sponge bath from my pregnant wife, I marveled at her compassion and care for me and thanked God for His provision of this woman, beautiful inside and out, to be with me through thick and thin.
The Holy Spirit showed me that my pride was an impediment for God’s provision. I humbled myself and began to embrace this circumstance that God is using to mold me, my family and many from our church and community. Wonderful people are reaching out to us with meals, practical help with our home, and even taking me to “The Promise Keeper” convention in Dallas last weekend! All of this when our family has only been in Texas seven months!
There is so much to be thankful for. Miraculously, I was spared from spinal and head injuries, internal bleeding, and even death. Everything has been coming together because Jesus made it happen. He is always there through the good and the bad, answering prayers, comforting, providing! His love is bigger than anything this world throws at us.
Whether the Lord Jesus heals my ankle miraculously, takes months or never heals it, He is trustworthy! His Word states His plan to bless me and not harm me. No matter what, the Lord Jesus will be glorified!
B. M. S.
… Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through
the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Isaiah 43:1-3