A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 



A Great Egret sitting on a rusty pole, looking over a lake

The LORD gives His people strength
and blesses them with peace.
Proverbs 29:11
God still hears us
Volume XV, Issue 39 
September 28, 2015 
Has God ever given you a sign that He is with you and has heard your cry? The signs He often gives me are things I "happen upon" in His creation. For example...
 
We've been blessed over the years with great Directors who have guided this ministry. Our current Board, which includes my wife, Beverly, Dana Abernathy, Hal Harris, John McMath, and Frank Stanley, recently experienced the most intense, exhausting Directors Retreat in our history.
 
During the morning session of the second day, John received a text about his ten-month-old grandson, Whit. For months this precious child had been in the hospital fighting cancer. He was to be moved to another facility for rehab, but there had been delays, causing much frustration.
 
John stared at his phone as he told us Whit had just had a horrifying seizure, possibly a stroke, and was undergoing an emergency CT Scan. The news was overwhelming. Instantly our attention turned to Whit. I suspended the meeting and we began to pray.
 
All the prayers were deeply heartfelt, but John's was especially moving. Hearing him cry out to God, I wondered what more could be said. But in closing, I prayed calmly about our fears, desires, and pleas, placing our trust in God's will while admitting His love for Whit was far greater than our own.
 
I believe God was the one actually speaking those words, rather than them simply coming from me. It seemed this was His way of telling us, Don't worry. I've got this.
 
Just as our prayers ended, another message arrived. The room fell silent. John quietly read the text, then reported the news---Whit did NOT have a stroke and would be fine! The doctor said he was fortunate not to have transferred for rehab since this medical staff, acutely aware of Whit's condition, could so quickly tackle the problem.
 
I looked around the room and called for a break. We were quite elated, but also shaken by what had just occurred. Such a swing of emotions, combined with summoning every ounce of faith while openly accepting God's will, can do that.
 
During the break, everyone walked outside except John who came a bit later. No one spoke for a while, each appearing deep in a personal quiet time. As for me, I walked down a hill toward a large lake. My soul needed...something. Nearing an old dock, I looked up.
 
Perched on a rusty, metal pole was a beautiful, white bird...a Great Egret. With no intention of leaving, he just sat there and looked at me. Immediately a warm peace washed over me, and I knew. This was God's sign, His reminder---I've heard you. It's okay. I'm here.
 
For several minutes I stood there, smiling at the Egret and feeling completely relaxed. In time I walked up the hill and pointed out the bird to Beverly. She made her way down and took a picture. Then the Great Egret calmly stood, spread its long wings, and flew away.
 
When we look to God and follow His path, He gives us peace and a reminder...a sign...that He hears our prayers. How about you? What signs has He given that He is by your side and has heard you?

Take care & be God's,

 

Chuck
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