A Soaring Perspective

Alexis’ view at 30,000 feet afforded her the opportunity to see from a different perspective. As she stared out of the small window on the Boeing 737 the Word of God captured her thoughts.

Isaiah 40:22, “God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them.”

After fifteen years of marriage, and years of struggle Alexis’ world came crashing down the day Jarred announced his love for Carlton.

She had always handled disturbing or shocking news with a sense of calm that amazed her three adorable children. But this…this was different. The news hit her like a bolt of lightning; knocked her to the ground and left her lifeless.

Her daily cry, “Lord, how will we get through this?”

It was impossible for her to function normally throughout the day. For weeks, every emotion converged with explosive tendencies. Her body nearly collapsed from the overload. Finally, she had to get away… solitude in the Presence of the Lord would have to be the only way she would be able to rise above this “ground zero” experience.

The advice of family and friends were futile, harsh, and didn’t reflect Christian principles. Although she was devastated by the pain of betrayal, revenge and retaliation weren’t options for her because she understood that this would require a supernatural answer that could only come through the power of the Holy Spirit.

From this vantage point clear perception, and a new perspective came. As the plane ascended to maxiumum altitude, Alexis envisioned herself acending...soaring high on the wings of an eagle. And when the plane landed, taxied to the designated gate, she knew from then on she could run and not grow weary and would walk and not faint.

Like Alexis, when we face the devastating challenges of life, we too must find solace in the solitude of His Presence. The healing process will vary with every individual and situation. However, the results yield the same —power and strength to overcome any challenge or situation.

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:28-31


PERSONAL PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you care enough about my challenging situations, pains, and disappointments in this life so much that you would grant me the privilege of communing with you. And so, I ask now that you would speak to me according to my need. Let us find the power and strength that we need to soar high like eagles. I want to run to you always and not grow weary in doing what is good and pleasing to you. Help me to live this life victoriously through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ so that I will not give up in spite of the challenges I face now, or even in the future. I rest in you as my Source of strength. In Jesus’ name I pray with thanksgiving. Amen.

What if….?

This story is not one you’re likely to hear on the evening news. But it is a story of an old man on a mission to tell anyone that will listen… His story is posted to encourage readers to never take a moment for granted; neither should marriage vows be so easily broken. Life is fragile, but God’s love and grace are eternal.

It had been five years since Mr. Miser received the devastating news. He remembered that day like yesterday…August 8, 2004—his wife insisted that he keep the doctor appointment she made for him.

He hated going to the doctor, like most men. But he’s constantly reminded of how thankful he was that he heeded his wife’s ultimatum, “You’re going to the doctor, Bill Miser, or else…”

Funny! He never found out what the or else ultimatum was. But he concluded it was death and eternal damnation because he had not accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

They’d gotten married right out of high school. It was love at first sight. Margie had been a “church girl” all her life.

Margie was the wife he’d always dreamed of finding. Sure they’d had their ups and down; even said some hurtful words, and did some shameful things; nevertheless, they kept their vow for better or for worse; in sickness and in health, until death do us part. After 50 years they were still together. A day didn't pass without giving God thanks.

Margie had always been there through the many tests, hospital and doctor visits, pain, chemo, radiation, sleepless nights, and certainly doubts and fears of leaving her and their children too soon (whenever that is). He recalls the many nights that he heard Margie praying for his healing and strength to endure the pain.

Her prayers lulled him to sleep at night, and often early in the dawning hours it was Margie’s prayers that he woke up to. In spite of the pain there was always an aroma of hope that permeated their home.

Mr. Miser has been in remission now for five years. At each office visit the doctors are stunned at his miraculous recovery. However, he was quick to remind them that God’s grace and mercy was keeping him alive. And of course, Margie’s prayers that are now a bowl of incense before the Throne.

Margie went home to be with the Lord the same week the doctor’s gave the prognosis as hopeful; cancer was in remission.

At every opportunity Mr. Miser shares his story he begins and ends with a question, “What if… What if I hadn’t met Margie?”

He answers immediately, “Well, I could guess, or imagine what it would have been like. Anyway, I’m thankful I don’t have to guess. I met Margie; God sent her to me, and she changed my life by her unwavering faith. I’m alive today because Margie didn’t give up on me.  I didn’t give up on her, and we didn’t give up on God! But, my friends, what if God had given up on us?”

We may see things from a different perspective if we would ask the questions, “What if….”

What if God gives up on us?

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).