This promise is my mantra, my theme, my prayer continuously. My cup feels so full and overflowing with trials and hurts. How I cling to these words of David.
Two days ago my dad had to go to the hospital for an infection from a cat bite. I was about to call him to see how he was feeling when the phone rang.
"Hello, is this Debi?"
"Yes, it is."
"This is Rita at the nursing home. You need to get here very fast."
"Why, what's wrong?"
"It's your mom. Her breathing stops for 30 to 35 seconds at a time, and her heart beat is very irregular. We need to discuss whether or not to keep her alive."
"Oh my! I will be there as soon as I can."
Because of her serious condition with Alzheimer's disease my mind was in turmoil. How should I advise them? The tears began to course down my cheeks. At that moment I knew I had to hold on tight to Jesus or I would fall apart.
A promise scooted into my brain. "With 'Debi' it is impossible, but not with God; for with God 'ALL' things are possible." Mark 10:27 NKJ.
I hung up the phone and rushed to get ready to go. Before I got out the door there was another ring on the line. Another nurse informed me that my dad was ready to go home.
This incident may seem small, but I have been so tired from weeks and months
of trying to care for the needs of both my parents with serious illnesses. Now mom was on her death bed, and dad also needed my help. Mom, however, was my priority.
I explained my mom's situation to the hospital nurse and asked if they could keep dad awhile longer until the crisis was over. They agreed.
I wanted to rush as fast as I could to the nursing home, but on the way God began talking to me. He helped me realize it did not matter if I was by her side immediately, because He was there beside her. I knew He would heal her if it was His will. He understood her physical condition, and He understood my fears. At that moment I asked my Heavenly Friend to help me keep my focus on Him and not the "problem."
When we were created, He did not want us to die. He wanted only a perfect, sinless life everlasting for His children. He still does, but because of sin most things will come to an end here on earth.
This reminded me of the three Hebrew boys in Babylon. They informed Nebuchadnezzar "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." Dan. 3:17,18.
I told God, "You are able to deliver my mother from this crisis, but if not I will still continue to trust your will for my mother's life and for mine."
Upon arrival at the nursing home, the staff informed me that my mom's condition was very serious, and she might not recover. At this traumatic moment I found them so kind and loving. Also my brother and his daughter
came along with one of my church friends to give me much needed support.
As I walked into her room I found her surrounded by curtains which I pulled back. She lay on her bed so lifeless. How I hurt with every fiber of my being seeing her in this condition.
We brought some Jesus-packed music to play by her bedside. Our little group also circled around her bed and prayed openly for God to work a miracle if it was His will. At the sound of the music her eyes fluttered and then opened. We stayed close for a few more hours. During this time she would wake and then sleep. We were shocked when she suddenly said she wanted to get up. My sister-in-law helped her up to the lobby where she wanted to be with the other residents. She also asked for some food.
She still continues to improve, and my trust quotient has risen remarkably. I know that whatever the future holds my God has allowed it. I will walk with Him through whatever fiery furnace Satan puts me through. This experience has taught me that GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL!
Copyright (c) Oct. 1999 Debi Gentry
