Today's Devotional
January 3, 2003
Subject: Real World Faith
Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope."
So often we hear stories about great faith and they seem so foreign to us. Today, I thought I'd share an authentic prayer request from a friend for all to see an example of "great faith" and trust in the Almighty. The message is written by Julie Goethe who, at the time of the writing, was preparing for cancer surgery. Chris is her husband. Enjoy and be encouraged where you are today.
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I will go to Texas on December 29th for surgery on December 30th. Chris, the boys, and my mother will be there also. After the surgery, Chris will bring the boys home; my mom will stay with me until I'm well enough to go home. Chris' mother will stay at our house for two weeks to keep everything in order. Chris will be traveling back and forth between Spartanburg, Houston, and work trips. I will have my right pelvis removed. I have three options: 1. remove the entire right leg; 2. leave the leg flail (attached by muscles and other tissue, but with no bone support); 3. receive an allograph (a right pelvis bone from a cadaver). This option is successful about 50% of the time. I have chosen option three. If it is successful, I will eventually be able to walk normally. If it is not successful, I will wind up with options 1 or 2, depending on what the doctor thinks is best. However, going into the surgery, option 3 leaves the field wide open for God to work however he chooses. God has given Chris and me his peace regarding our decision. Both of us are 100% sure that we want God's will for our lives. I want Him to decide how many legs I need to carry out the plans he has for me.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please remember to pray fervently on December 30th. I will be in surgery all day.
Julie S. Goethe
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What a great testimonial of trust and faith in God. I love that line, "I want Him to decide how many legs I need to carry out the plans He has for me." Isn't that awesome? Please pray for this family. The surgery did not go as "we" prayed, but God is still in control of it all.
Carlen