Reading of the Day: Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Seven years ago my husband and I had our first baby. Eight weeks into her life she was hospitalized and labeled failure to thrive. The next two years were spent in and out of the hospital, fighting to keep her alive. During that same time period, while I was struggling at work, and about to lose my job (which was our only source of income), we had our second daughter, and our marriage was about to collapse under the weight of all the stress in our lives. I can still recall sitting in our hospital room, selfishly asking, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” I hadn’t really been to church since moving out of my parents’ house, and decided during this time period that I needed to “go looking for Jesus,” as my husband called it. I started church shopping and was referred to Gloria Dei. I instantly knew that I was in the right place. The building itself was a sunny and uplifting place, the pastors were friendly and welcoming, the Sunday school program was exciting and alive, and I even ran into old college friends. Gloria Dei was the perfect place for me to rekindle my relationship with God.
Today my children are healthy, I have a great job, and my marriage is stronger than ever. I absolutely recognize the blessings in my life, because I almost lost all of them. My friends ask how I survived, and I tell them my faith gave me strength. There is no better friend to have than God when times are tough. I now feel both a desire and an obligation to give back and share the generosity that has been spent on me, as I wake up every day and sheepishly ask, “Why me? What did I do to deserve all of this?”
PRAYER: God of grace and mercy, thank you for making me your child. Thank you for guiding me to Gloria Dei when I needed you the most. To you be given all the honor and praise. Amen.