Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is well here at 811. Upcoming events…Bruce is going to apply for a new driver’s license either tomorrow or Monday. Please pray for him as he takes this bold step forward. Tomorrow I will see the surgeon.  I think I should have more information following the visit with her.

Dear God, thank you for teaching me what you want and for giving me the ability to do it. May my life always please you.  It is my desire to continue to learn to know you and to respond to situations in a way that honors you. Help me to grow in your love by staying in complete trust in you.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name.

The apostle Paul was in prison when he discovered that he was exactly where God wanted him. Paul did not want to be in prison, but while he was in prison he continued to live the life God called him to live by sharing the good news of Jesus with those around him.  Paul could not have accomplished this on his own. Paul realized that he could not handle prison life on his own. Paul acknowledged the hand of God in his prison survival and fully understood the price of discipleship. Paul understood that the cost of discipleship is following Christ no matter where he leads and what trials he would encounter in exchange for experiencing the glory of God.

I find myself in a similar situation. I am not in a prison, but I am facing a situation that I cannot manage alone. If I could, why would I have need for a saving God?  My circumstances are life altering and I cannot begin to deal with surgery, treatment and recovery without God’s gracious compassion. While I do not believe that God zapped me with cancer, I do believe I am exactly where God wants me to be and doing what I am called to do at this time. Right now I am to follow. I have not experienced prison, but I have experienced trials beyond my imagination. It is through these difficult times that I have come to know so much more about God and as life changing as these trials have been they have been worth it to experience to loving compassion, grace beyond measure and peace not of this world, but of the eternal kingdom.  Getting to know God is definitely worth it.  God is good and love wins.

“My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, O LORD?”

Psalm 35: 10

“Those who want the best for me, let them have the last word—a glad shout!—and say, over and over and over, ‘God is great—everything works together for good for his servant.”

Psalm 35: 27

Take joy in the journey and be willing to bloom where you are planted. Wear comfortable shoes, get some sleep and think pink!  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene