But for the Lord
We have been experiencing a cool and rainy day here in Fort Collins. I believe the best part of the day was when I left my therapy session at the Rehab Hospital.
I had a good day of therapy today and can tell I am making progress. The range of motion is slowly returning to my arms and shoulders. I went early to NCRH and had some breakfast. As I the server filled my order and handed me the plate over the counter, I was actually able to reach up and take the plate! That was a first after a few hundred trips through the cafeteria line where someone needed to reach my plate for me or it had to be slipped under or around the counter.
Tomorrow evening I will give a brief presentation to the Larimer County Commissioners and the Larimer County Board of Health about my experiences with West Nile Virus and the lengthy rehab process that I have been going through.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:17-19
As I read Psalm 94 this morning, these verse stood out to me. The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible that I am reading titles this Psalm, “The Lord Will Not Forsake His People.”
I have found that you really don’t know what day might bring. My friend and successor Pastor at Dakota Ridge Assembly, Paul Church was suddenly hospitalized a few days ago with what appeared to be stroke-like symptoms. Considering Paul is at least 20 years younger than me and in great physical shape and is my hero “marathon man” the news was shocking.
I have also been praying for the family of Pastor Terry Broadwater and Grace Community Church. Terry died tragically in a hiking accident in the Himalayas while on a missions trip. I didn’t know Terry personally but am acquainted with Grace Community Church because of my friendship with founding Pastor Del Roberts. Del died within four weeks of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of 2000.
I am thankful for the Lord’s intervention in my life. I am closing in on my year anniversary of the onset of my West Nile Virus infection. I can identify with each of the phrases above. If the Lord had not helped me, I would certainly not be here to share my reflections and enjoy the time I have now with my wife and family.
When I read “my foot slips” it brings to mind times that I have actually fallen, the effort it was to regain balance from sitting to standing. The sense of fear that can grip you when you feel off balance and out of control.
And yes, I can reflect on many “cares of my heart” from waiting anxiously for a surgery that would help improve my condition, to the struggle for strength and independence to the emotional roller coaster recovering from a traumatic brain injury.”
Through it all I am thankful that the Lord “helps” He “upholds with His steadfast love” and His “consolations cheer my soul.”
I have also found that all those attributes of the Lord are for family members as well. Whether dealing with the overwhelming grief of a sudden loss or the ramifications of a sudden illness the Lord is faithful and helps step by step, day by day. But for the Lord’s help I’m not sure how I would have responded to my illness as I have, but for the Lord’s help I’m not sure how my family would have had the strength they needed. I pray for my pastor friends in setback and for families experiencing loss that the Lord’s consolation will give strength and courage for each new day.