Out of Touch and the Will of God

It has been a while since I have been able blog because of the amount of
energy that was needed to care for my dad in the ICU, and of late, because
of the most intense speaking schedule I have ever faced.

Leaving my dad in the ICU last week was one of the hardest things I have
ever had to do; thankfully my wife and mother gave me the confidence that
they would be able to step to the plate to fulfill my role, that was often
not an easy task. Keeping someone alive that you love, especially when
their lungs are filled with fluid is a very taxing responsibility. Why are
we doing this? Because my 76 year old dad has indicated to the doctors, even
while on life support, that he wants to live and fight for his life. And
this revelation came just seconds before he was to be removed from life
support! We have learned that God's ways are not our ways through this
experience. The doctor gave dad a zero percent chance of recovery. The day
I had to fly out to speak at a conference, we were informed that dad was
beginning to show signs of recovery, therefore they wanted to move him to
another unit--the recovery unit! Can you imagine? To go and speak at a
conference while my father's life was hanging in the balances was agonizing
for me. Then our God of mercy does the unthinkable at the 11th hour, 59th
second to reassure me that it was alright to go. What a great God!

As I am writing this, I am on a flight back to Rochester NY to spend a week
with my dad. I am excited to help in this process of rehabilitation. Though
we still need a miracle for him to breath on his own, I am confident that
his present sufferings will abound to great glory and honor for our Savior.
In fact, as I look upon everything that has occurred in my dad's life, I can
see clearly that my dad has been chosen by God to suffer in accordance with
God's unique and mysterious plan. Though I cannot understand it all, I am
confident that whether in life or death, nothing shall be able to separate
us from His love! I can't imagine being anywhere else than in the midst of
God's love. So if suffering with a loved one helps us to gain a more
intimate perspective of God's love, than so be it.

In my devotions this morning I came across this verse: "For this is the will
of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication."
How does this relate? You see, so often when we are faced with overwhelming
obstacles, we seek consolation and love in all the wrong places-- from the
lust of our eyes, or the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life. And these
temporary fulfillments only create a larger void that can never be filled.
In the midst of family sufferings, I am learning to trust a wise and loving
Father, who knows what is best for all. Therefore, I am learning to be
anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING, by prayers and strong desires, with
THANKSGIVING, letting my request be made known to Him.

On another note, my time speaking this week (eleven seminars in two and a
half days!) was exhausting but so rewarding. The Christian School teachers
of Hawaii were so gracious and so very receptive to God's redemptive
power...I wish I could have had the audience on video...many earnest
faces...many tears...many changed lives..."thank you Lord." And of course I
was able to enjoy my friend and popular singer, Mary Rice Hopkins...she is
such a gem. Thank you to all who continue to pray for me and my dad...i am
eternally thankful!