In order to understand this post, you probably will want to read the one before it entitled “I Missed My Moment“. I did take the opportunity to go and visit the man I mentioned in my previous post today. His name is Mike and I’d like to introduce you to him.
Mike is a Vietnam Vet who is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. He was diagnosed in 1995 with the disease but believes it started at least 10 years prior to that. He is married to his 5th wife who recently had her Gall Bladder removed as well. She has been diagnosed with the disease Lupus. Mike’s 4th wife died in 2003 of a heart attack. He was the one that had to give the approval to remove her from life support. He was being discharged today to go to rehabilitation to gain strength.
While Mike’s story might seem tough, I am blessed to have spent some time with him today. It turns out that Mike’s brothers are Pastors. Mike told me the story of the day he was diagnosed with M.S. He said the doctor informed him of the news and he “prayed to God as soon as he found out”. He told me that the Doctor said he had never, in all his years of medicine, seen anyone react that way when told of this news. Mike prayed and explained that God allows things into our lives for a purpose.
Before I left, I asked Mike if I could pray with him. He said we could and we did. I don’t know that I will ever see Mike again this side of Heaven. I’d like to ask you to join me in praying for Mike and his wife Lori. They could sure use our prayers in their battles. I’m glad that God allowed me the opportunity to make amends for missing my moment yesterday. I hope you all get to meet Mike one day as well.
Many times you’ve mentioned that you hope your blog is similar to mine when it “grows up”, but I hope to be the person you are when I grow up.
I’m a better person for having known you.
After reading this post it seems as though you didn’t have a “streak” going at all.
It was more like a countdown and you handled it just right by walking through the door the Lord opened for you.
I’ve got one from this past Sunday if you want to hear it.
No coincidences.
Sinners are saved solely by the Jesus Christ alone.. but life is also working out your own salvation and much more through Jesus Christ
(Eccl 12:1 KJV) Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
(Eccl 12:13 KJV) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
(Eccl 12:14 KJV) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
http://groups.msn.com/AFOLLOWEROFCHRIST
We will never regret listening to those “God bumps”—those times when God “bumps us” to do something. No matter what we think, how big or small…the only regrets that come are when we don’t listen. We never know how listening will impact–us or anyone else, unless we take the chance.
Great for you to have gone back–way to go!!!
Mudpuppy – Thanks brother. I’m honored by your compliment and hope you come back to the blogging world soon. You’re missed my friend. Our admiration is mutual. I too am a better person for knowing you. Even if it was for 1 hour over Chipolte!
Mike – Thanks for sharing your encounter “off-line”. No coincidence. May God use your encounter to touch the lives of the couple you met.
Rindy – I was reminded of your story about Skyline and your waitress there. I just know she is going to be a part of Walls Down Church one day. Thank you for your inspiration!