“‘If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’ ” (Daniel 3:17-18)
The heat index is 105°. We’re in the middle of the first heat wave of the summer. Just like last summer.
A year ago, I was asked to be a guest speaker for a fellow professor. The classroom would be air conditioned, so I agreed. The commitment required me to teach for seven hours straight. An impossible feat, given my limitedstamina. Living with multiple sclerosis means planning activities that last 4-6 hours. Any longer and I fade. Like a limp, dying plant. God would have to provide the physical and mental strength.
Then we found out our son and his wife would be traveling to visit us. Their stay would be brief. Thursday, I’d be teaching. But the day before, I’d be able to spend a full day with them.
Wednesday morning I awoke to a broken air conditioning unit. The heat and humidity quickly took their toll onme. My aches felt more painful. I became listlessness. Dizzy. It would take several days to recover.
But I had to teach for seven hours the next day! Fear consumed my thoughts. Self-pity crept in. No chance of a happy visit!
My son drove me to a book store where we sat in air conditioning. Happily chatting while waiting for his wife to call and say the repairman had fixed our unit.
The next day, I experienced God’s miraculous power. He faithfully equipped me to teach the full seven hours. That day of oppressive heat became another cherished memory of God’s presence in my life.
This time our son and his wife will be bringing their new baby. My husband’s mother will be meeting her for the first time. A moment not to be missed.
But the heat. . . Everyone will be meeting at a local restaurant. I’ll wear a sun dress. Bring my cooling vest and portable fan.But I won’t pack my fear. With temperatures feeling like a furnace, I have Daniel’s friends cheering me on, reminding me, “God is able. . . He walks with you through the heat.”
God’s presence and good planning–the perfect formula for an enjoyable summer!
Prayer: Dear Father, I pray the heat will not prevent me from attending important family events. I know You’re able to make a way for me to attend them. But if not, I know You will reveal Your presence and love for me. Give me wisdom to know how to cope with the weather. How to stay cool. Which activities I should avoid. Replace any self-pity with gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993.Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs.http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
How do you manage to keep a grateful spirit when health interrupts life?
Oh Vicki, I love how God truly can turn something we’d never expect into a “cherished memory.” Reminding myself of how God has worked like this in the past is one of the things that helps me to remain grateful when things seem to be going where I didn’t want them to. Yes, he IS ABLE! This story really made my heart smile. Got a very challenging 6 weeks coming up this summer, starting tomorrow, so thank you for the reminder NOT to pack the fear. May God provide you all the strength and provision you need to truly enjoy this summer with your family. Be blessed, dear sister. Gentle hugs to you…BeBe <3
This really spoke to me, Vicki. I was also diagnosed w/ MS in 1993 and am very much affected by heat and fatigue–and I try to plan ahead like it sounds you do! I’m so glad that you’ve been blessed w/ a grandchild–my first one is 14 mo. old and a total joy. He wears me out “in a good way” and energizes me and is keeping me young, I think! Thanks for your devotional.
Dear BeBe,
You’re so faithful in responding to these devotionals! I love how you signed your message “gentle hugs.”
Yesterday was the day my mother-in-law met her great granddaughter. Once again, God worked miraculously! I lasted all ten hours. The heat was less oppressive than expected (thanks to the One who actually controls the weather).
Dear Kara,
‘Sounds like we have lots in common. I was diagnosed in 1993 also. One thing that’s different is that we live far from our grandchild (about a 7 hr. drive). ‘Sounds like you live closer.
I can totally relate to your comment about being energized by your grandchild. Today I’m happily worn out from our visit with our son, his wife, and baby Sofie!
Stay cool, dear friend.
Dear Vicki,
I relate to so much you say; fading into a limp very wilted person when out in the heat or lately, just being “out” for more than an hour or so! I have been catching up with the posts sine I been gone and back and gone and back again, if that makes any sense.
I received answered prayer of many years when God arranged a family reunion and then surprised me with it!! Way too much to explain my family dynamics ; drama, mental illness, personalities, hurt, mistrust, wounding of the spirit, etc. Sounds like I wasn’t a ver good parent when I dare to ponder all these areas of concern. But during this time of coming together, I also saw and experienced love, caring, unselfishness, kindness, helping someone with a concern, etc. God is soooooo good!! Oh, me of little faith; He always answers my prayers in some form or shape and the power of His amazing grace and love for me never fails to awe and amaze me as I always feel unworthy of it.
And, yes, He fixed the air conditioning at my son’s house when he thought it needed a new compressor, major repair and costs, of which wasn’t going to be fixed as he is out of work, and just as1 was saying we have to go home as mom was fading very fast in central Florida heat in June. WOW!! So it is cool that He will keep us “cool” and help us keep our “cool”!! I know, I’m on drugs, what can I say!!
So, Bebe, I did pack my fear and put myself thru so much stress and anxiety that it made me more ill, of course. I am such a bad example of “trust and obey” that I wonder when will i ever learn. I am constantly in God’s “classroom” and wonder if I will ever get out of 1st grade and graduate to the next level!! I have to have a sense of humor about this and not take myself so seriously!! So goknowing He will and does and can lighten your load as only He can do for all of that He He is so so able.
Have a wonderful summer, everyone and enjoy those grandchildren, whether near or far. That’s another post.
Blessings,
Patty
Dear Patty,
I’m so happy to read about how God answered your prayers – showing His unfailing power, showering you with His amazing grace, and blessing you with His and love.
‘Love your comments:
“He will keep us ‘cool’ and help us keep our ‘cool’!!”
“I have to have a sense of humor about this and not take myself so seriously!!”
Amen to both!
Blessings,
Vicki