Strength That Counts

47 years ago I married a strong and brave man. Over the years I watched him charge forward on hiking trails, persevere as he moved furniture,and worked in the yard. His energy level often topped those who worked with him.

A huge difference occurred before thanksgiving. After a plane flight to Vermont and than about one day after a flight home he flew to Florida. We did not realize how God protected him from harm. After conferring with his doctor he entered the hospital which culminated in triple bypass surgery. It soon seemed that every complication that could have occurred did happen from legionaire's disease to a bad reaction to a drug.

Thanksgiving slid into Christmas and then suddenly the new year arrived with no fanfare. As a family it felt like we were treading water, Finally he was transferred to a rehabilitation clinic, the third facility. Although strength is slowly returning, he still has a long way to go.

Strength is usually defined as physical strength. As some of that has returned a more important strength has become clearly present. He still appreciates the prayers of others for himself but the prayers for others is now a central part of his life as well. A fellow pastor lost his wife and Steve purchased a sympathy card and he prayed for the new widower. He also seized the opportunity to lead a Bible study with a new friend.

He has improved but is he ready to walk the dog or rake the yard? No but it is clear that God is giving him the strength and focus to do what is important.

Isaiah 40:30-31--  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.-----


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