Multiplied Assurances and Securities
“How amazing is this love, that God condescends to remove all cause for doubt and questioning from human fears and weakness and takes hold of the trembling hand reached up to Him in faith; and He helps us to trust Him by multiplied assurances and securities.” That I May Know Him, Sept. 13
Isn’t that beautiful? Did you notice the date on the above quote? That is what I read in the devotional reading while in my hammock on September 13; the day I found out that ALS was a very real possibility, and when I had a “trembling hand reached up to Him”. God’s timing is incredible!
I see these “multiplied assurances and securities” as the loving blessings that the Lord gives to show His tender care even amid the trials that come. It is almost as if He is saying, “My child, the trial ahead may not be easy, but I will draw close to you and show you my love through the Providential blessings that I will send, even in the middle of it.”
So what are a few of the “multiplied assurances and securities” that the Lord has shown me in the last several weeks? I’ll just share four of them for now (there are plenty more!). Here’s just a “sampling”:
- Our daughter, Hannah, was here from TN the weekend of September 13. At first I was going to change the neurologist appointment, not wanting to take up some of the precious time with her at an appointment. But, then we decided to make it a “girl date” and have her go with me. After all it was going to turn out to be “nothing”. At the very last minute I told Kevin, “Honey, I think I’d like you to go too.” Only the Lord knew I’d need both of them there!
- I have a special friend, my roommate from college who lives far away and I hadn’t seen in over 25 years. We had kind of lost touch through the years. We randomly talked for 2-3 hours on the phone about 2 months ago (before I knew anything about ALS) and rekindled our deep friendship. The week after September 13 she just “happened” to be in Missouri and we were able to rendezvous for two beautiful days together near Branson! She makes me laugh and inspires me with courage. I KNOW the Lord brought her back in my life “for such a time as this.”
- A dear, pastor friend from Minnesota had asked Kevin and me to come up and do a family life seminar at his church the weekend of September 27, and flights were all arranged a month or so ahead of time. This was the weekend between all my testing and finding out my diagnosis on October 2. Only the Lord knew what an amazing diversion and respite this would be to have the opportunity to jointly do active ministry for Him during a hard time!
- The day we left for MN I received an email from a friend telling us about a “Healing ALS” conference in Salt Lake City, October 18-20. Now this is not an annual event but the “first ever”of its kind and looks like it will be extremely informative in sharing the best that is out there in functional medicine and dealing with this diagnosis. Kevin, my sister and I are signed up to go! To have it right now when we most need it most....Is that God’s timing or what?
So, despite the difficulty of this time, I praise Him for giving His “multiplied assurances and securities” to me, like hugs from my comforting Savior. I pray I’ll continue to have the eyes to see them as they Providentially “show up” in the unknown days and weeks ahead.
If you look for them, you’re sure to find them in your life as well.
God is good even in the midst of trials. You are such a blessing to so many people and even more so that you are able to see all the good in this. Praying daily for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement and prayers!
DeleteIt's wonderful to know you are surrounded with the needed support . We are praying for you, Shelley !
ReplyDeleteGod is answering those prayers! Thank you!🙏🏻
DeleteThank you for sharing your journey, Mrs. Powell. Romans 8:28 is still true and He will be glorified through this experience. We're praying for you! God is love, and you can safely trust His heart.
ReplyDeleteNo finite mind can fully comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. We cannot by searching find out God. To minds the strongest and most highly cultured, as well as to the weakest and most ignorant, that holy Being must remain clothed in mystery. But though “clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:2, R.V. We can so far comprehend His dealing with us as to discern boundless mercy united to infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as we are capable of comprehending; beyond this we may still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love. {Ed 169.1}
Powerfully encouraging quote! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteAunt Shelly, you are an inspiration, and are very loved. So thankful that you will be able to attend that conference. Our prayers are ascending that God will provide just the information you need there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your love and prayers!
DeleteShelly I read this and thought I would share it with you (I'm sure you've read it before) but its such a powerful reminder " Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel.... The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son." Be of good courage, the Great Physician stands by your side. Love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend! That is an inspired quote for sure!
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