When life gets us down

"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10


What a week! Sometimes we think we can become invincible and that nothing can get us down. Who are we fooling anyway? Certainly not ourselves - because even an idiot would know that when we think we become invincible either the Lord or Satan will knock us off our pedestal to show us how little we really are. The Lord will use it to shape our character, and the enemy just wants to knock us down.

My brother-in-law was in a terrible car accident on Thursday evening while driving to town. They tried and we all prayed, and unfortunately they had to take his leg yesterday. When my husband told me about this, all I could think of was how sorry I felt. I cried, and I felt so bad for Nanu. My husband was happy. I couldn't believe it.

Why? Nanu is the epitomy of energy. Whenever my kids have a birthday party (almost always held at Lisa's Gymnastics), the adults sit around, drink coffee and hang out. Nanu? No. He's with the kids and jumping on the trampoline. He jumps so high, and to impress us he does flips. I've never seen a man in his mid twenties be able to do flips on a trampoline. Besides the parties, Nanu is always going to the gym, playing basketball, playing the drums on the worship team, helping people move, drives everywhere, and helps out whenever anyone asks. So when many of his dreams have been shattered due to this loss how can my husband be so happy about it?

I didn't ask him point blank, I didn't want to seem rude. But I sat back and I pondered his words for awhile. When we got the call late Thursday night and were woken up, we did not know what happened or the extent of the injuries. You see, I laid in bed all night long trying to sleep while my husband was quietly interceding next to me on the bed. He was trying so hard not to worry, but worry crept in and claimed him anyway. Don't get me wrong, I prayed too. But I felt that at 1:30 in the morning, God knew my heart and had heard my prayers, and I went back to sleep while Ruben charged on in the spirit realm. It wasn't until Friday morning before we heard anything, and we found out Nanu was still in surgery. The doctors were trying to save his leg. Ruben was relieved. So as I am looking with the natural eyes of what Nanu cannot do, my husband is looking with spiritual eyes as to what God can do.

Nanu should have died in that car. More than once the enemy has come to try to steal his life. My husband sees a life that was saved! My husband sees a testimony of how God can make the impossible possible. My husband is just so happy that he still has his brother here on this planet for a little while longer. Sure, life will be tough for awhile as Nanu recovers and learns how to maneuver without his leg. But he will be reminded how God loves him, and spared him. He still has work to do on this earth and his time is not up yet.

I am reminded of Jacob here. I know it is not the same thing. I know Nanu wasn't phyically wrestling with God. But, Jacob had a purpose, and even though he was lame in his latter life, he knew he had a purpose for God. His limp reminded him of his purpose and the blessings which were to follow him. I know God has a lot instore for my brother-in-law. And I know that blessings will pour down on him. I think we can all thank God for the miracles so far in this situation.

As for us, I thank God he has brought us through this week. This has been a tough week. I mean we all speed, and we all make minor mistakes while driving. This could have happened to anyone. We all hurt when a family member hurts. But I know I do not need to fear life because God is with us and will strengthen us. Thank you, Lord for Your promises.

Have a blessed week!