Author: Scott England
As I reflect on my recent unexpected heart attack, I can't help but see the message God sent me. Not a message that I've done anything wrong, or fell out of favor with Him, or might have some unconfessed sin, as might be easy to speculate. But a message, I believe, more in line with: "I'm not done with you, you have more work to do here. I just needed to get your attention.". Well, It worked!
As Jodi drove me to the ER, I was literally praying: "God, not sure what's going on here, but I do ultimately pray for your will to be done. But, if you are asking me, it is MY prayer that you would spare me, heal me, and allow me to be here for Jodi and my kids, and to be here to see my first granddaughter be born this summer. But I do trust you, and whatever your plan is for me. Give me strength, and hold Jodi tight right now. Let her FEEL your presence. God, I. Trust. You."
I paused, and I pulled out my yellow pad and wrote out a few "items to know", in case things went "sideways". Weird, but insightful (tomorrow is never guaranteed - be sure your affairs are in order!).
Many of us wrestle with this question of "What's God's purpose for me?". Often it seems hard to really HEAR Him, no matter how hard you try. My hope and prayer at this time is that I would pause long enough, be silent long enough, to just hear His voice, and that I'd take this moment to re-prioritize and to be obedient to His calling.
I'm so grateful how He does speak boldly to us, in His Word - the Bible. I believe my (our) challenge/opportunity is to read the Word with intentionality and great anticipation, renewing my commitment to Him and His Word and to take these gifts that He has purposefully placed within us, and use them to reach others - one at a time.
I've taken this opportunity to give THANKS to our great creator and planner, and hope that my message from today on, would be for people not to look at this time and say "What went wrong?', but instead say "What went RIGHT?"
I want my message to be of encouragement to others. A message to humble ourselves (especially to men, because we're "just that way"). There are a few practical things I want to share as well:
- You've heard people say "Listen to your body". But seriously, LISTEN! Your body is God's gift to you, and He's designed it to communicate with you. Pay attention to signs, and be open to a bigger purpose.
- God knows. Remember, we are not an accident. God knew what He was doing when He put us here. So, be obedient. Ask: "What can I do while I'm still HERE?". Be a bold example of His hands at work, His will at work, and to be at peace - KNOWING He is in control.
I'm blessed that this has been a positive event so far. But I've also taken this as a time to pause, and reflect over the recent years, on the things that haven't worked out the way "I prayed they would". I can see now that some time has passed, that in His Glory and Wisdom, God truly is Good. Maybe not in the way I would have thought or planned, but my family was brought closer together, broken relationships were healed, and new meaningful relationships were formed. God has reminded me to RELY ON HIM, trust Him in ALL my ways, and to wait on His timing.
Don't let God's work in your life be a secret. Celebrate Him and the examples/miracles He does in your life. Rejoice, and be glad in Him.
God Bless,
Scott England
