She had her left leg amputated. The other is covered with ulcers because of poor circulation and infection, to be amputated this week. She stays in bed, dependent on her caregiver for most things:
To eat.
To drink.
To clean up.
She has high blood pressure...A failing heart...Diabetes... Kidney Damage
She's 60 years old.
She called the ambulance because she stayed on the floor at home for 2 days after falling there... no one could help her up. She was dehydrated, sick, had a fever, and today...
Today she glorified the LORD because He has taken care of her. He has been good to her all her life. She said HE knows her and HE KNOWS just what she needs. She has done nothing but overflow joy... contentment... She knows that that's her Lord. He's all she needs. I did not hear one complaint, one request for pity... Her spirit is overjoyed to be right where she is...
That's a life of joy, peace, patience, kindness. . . THAT is life in Christ. To her, life is good. Not because of what's going on in her life but because Jesus Christ IS her life.
He takes care of you. He knows just what you need.
HE is ALL we need!
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(philippians 4)
Katie, this is SO good- this is what it means to choose joy!
This is also even more confirmation for me to read this. I'm about the change my platform from Teen Alcohol Abuse Prevention to some sort of outreach for hospitalized people (possibly focusing on children) and their families. With all that has happened with my brother God has been stirring this in my heart, and I just keep getting confirmation that is where He wants to use me. I might be giving you a call in the months to come for some advice as I create my program!
ps- still thrilled you're coming back to Auburn ;)
gosh, i needed that - bless your amazing heart.
wow... just what i needed to hear today. thank you, sweet old lady, for showing us what Christs life is. and thank you Katie for telling us !! Praise Jesus, all we need is YOU !!