Have you ever thought “Is God dependable in times of adversity” or wondered “Do I have the type of relationship with God and such a confidence in Him that I believe He is with me in my adversity even though I do not see any evidence of his presence and his power”?
I would have answered, “Yes, I do”, and I would have spoken it boldly!
Then on August 21, 2019, my husband, Mace, started not feeling very well. On Sunday, August 24, at church, his body collapsed. From that day forward, he was unable to walk. Many of you know the story of how God came through for us on October 30, 2019: Mace, was able to walk as though nothing had ever happened!
However, through that time, I would think, God, do I really have the kind of relationship with you and confidence in you to truly believe that you are with Mace and me? To be honest, I would cry out yes, God, I do want those things; I want a relationship and the confidence in you that I know you are in control of what is going on in our lives. But God help me!
God, I do want those things; I want a relationship and the confidence in you that I know you are in control of what is going on in our lives. But God help me!
The Holy Spirit reminded me that I have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16) and that the Holy Spirit lives in me (1Corinthians 6:19).
I have the mind of Christ, but how?
By renewing my mind in the Word, that is how. So I went to the word of God. As I read the Word focusing on each scripture, I would talk to God. I would cry out “God, your word says you are sovereign over all, you are powerful, glorious, victorious, and majestic. All things are in your hands to make great and give strength to all. So I ask you in Jesus’ name to give strength to my husband‘s body and that we do see your power and your glory” (1st Chronicles 29:11-12).
“Thank you, father, you are God over Mace’s body and that there is nothing too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:27).
“Thank you, Father, you are working on this, what is going on in Mace’s body, and in our lives for your will” (Ephesians 1:11).
“Thank you, father, I do not have fear for you are my God and Mace’s God, and you strengthen Mace’s body, and you hold us in your right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
As I would meditate on God‘s word He took me to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us (me) with all our (my) troubles so that we (I) can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.”
I saw God‘s mighty hand work all things out for Mace and I. We saw God’s miracle hand working on getting him into the Mayo Clinic and us both talking to different people about God and what he was doing in our lives. How God helped us to get every appointment that we needed, and we were able to be home within two weeks which even the therapist said was a miracle. Also, through this Mace has been a witness to different people at his job and different customers that would come in.
YES, I have a relationship and a confidence in God that He is with me in my adversity even when I do not see any evidence of his presence and his power because I See His Word working in my life.
Father, I thank You I was able to share this adventure with my sisters. I pray we will always remember that it is not about us but it is always about you and your glory. Thank you that you only want good for us. I thank you that we do not look at circumstances but we look at your word of what you are speaking to us and that we choose to trust, rely on, and believe in what you speak. Thank you for your grace and your mercy and your forever faithfulness. Amen!
Paula Mace
