Our lives can change drastically in an instant.
When I got to Sunday School last Sunday, I learned that a good friend fell down a flight of stairs at her daughter’s house the night before and broke her hip. For the next weeks and months, she will deal with the aftermath of that fall. Suddenly, her plans for that night and the days ahead were painfully rearranged.
Two weeks earlier some dear friends got the phone call no parent ever wants to receive. Their daughter, after tucking two young children into bed, got overheated while exercising, collapsed and was unresponsive. Over the next days, they helped their grieving son-in-law make arrangements for a funeral, all while being devastated themselves. Their lives, on this side of heaven, are forever changed.
I got one of those life-changing phone calls in January of 1986. An unfamiliar voice on the other end of the line said that I should come as quickly as possible, because it appeared that my Mom had suffered a severe brain aneurysm. The succeeding days were a blur of tears and shock. The heart of our family was gone, the glue, the communicator, the fun-planner, the true life of every gathering.
Then, this past Monday morning I awoke to the scenes of death and chaos in Las Vegas, NV. More than 50 lives were snuffed out in the middle of attending an outdoor concert, and 500 others now had injuries, healing, recovery and rehab to face rather than just a happy drive back home.
These verses in the Bible are on my mind this morning. Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52:
Hosea 10:12 says “Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” Look at all of the verbs suggesting that we continue to work with diligence — “sow,” “reap,” “break up your fallow ground.” In other words, keep doing the things we know we should be doing. Continue to work, live and relate to others with integrity.
Carolyn Rains says
We continue to serve and guide those in Christ. Thank you for sharing.
So much has changed our nation, I know one that was in Las Vegas and praying she will grow closer to HIM. She lives in TN.
Jane Ann says
Thanks for sharing your wonderful words this morning. Reading these thoughts give me peace in this day and time.
Deb Russell says
Yes, CONNIE, we never know when we will get that midnight call that will change our lives forever. I pray that all will be ready by putting their trust in God. It’s what sustains us in these difficult days.
CCPearson says
Dannah’s service was so powerful. I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit was working on many who were there. . . or maybe the Holy Spirit only pricked one, but it was important.
Talitha says
So good, Connie! I love “looking for what the Bible doesn’t say” as I study scripture. Thanks!
CCPearson says
I love examining Scripture that way, too. Thanks for reading and encouraging me today, Talitha.
Donna headley says
Thank you Connie! I feel like Jesus is using you to talk directly to me.
CCPearson says
Hi Donna. I’m glad that the Scripture verses are reaching you, too. That’s where I always get The Truth.