Since my stroke two weeks ago, things have been surreal and hard. Being rushed to hospital in an ambulance after experiencing paralysis down one side of my body was very scary.
But things have also been very good. Apart from the great news that there was no impact on my physical or mental functions, I have been able to take the time to learn to trust God more each day with my future and health.
It’s also been a time for me to feel deep thankfulness to God for his kindness. And probably most importantly, I’ve been reminded that God is sovereign, even with the hard and painful things of life.
As I lay in the stroke ward after my first night in hospital, I awoke to see the sunrise. In my mind, I was singing the song, ‘10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)’. I began to reflect on these words:
“The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes. Bless the Lord oh my soul, worship His Holy name. Sing like never before, oh my soul, I’ll worship Your Holy name.”
It was a great reminder for me to cling to God in the good times and bad, and to continue to worship him with my whole life.
I’m thankful for the past two weeks because these events reminded me that life is short. Salvation can only be found in the Lord Jesus, and we don’t really know when our time on this earth will come to an end. We need to live each day trusting in the one who is in control, the one who saves. This person is Jesus.
Mandy.
PS – the prayers and messages from you all were so timely. Thank you for all you have done for us and especially for praying for us. We are so very thankful to God for you!