As I was in prayer last week reflecting on 2018, the Holy Spirit asked me what are you going to do this year so that this time next year “2020” you are Twelve Months Stronger. I had never thought of it that way. I need to look at 2019 as an opportunity to get Twelve Months Stronger. I stopped doing New Year’s resolutions years ago, but in a way, I guess if I do something like read the Bible every day in 2019 some people may see that as a resolution. I personally see it as a way to be stronger in my faith twelve months from now. You can start any time and it does not have to be the first of the year or the month or week. If I or you can do just a little every day twelve months from now it will add up to a lot. I pray you will find time to be with God every day and be Twelve Months Stronger a year from now.
As Lysa TerKeurst said in her book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, “we are between two gardens and it is not supposed to be this way.” Our world is fallen and as a result, things happen that God never intended for us. When Melinda was diagnosed with brain cancer our plans were shattered. Our plans; and therein lies the problem. Our plans should always be God’s plans. It took some drastic events in my life to see that. I believe that everything that happens God can use for good. We just may not see it at the time it is happening.
Sorry about the rambling of this post. I just wanted to get some things into words I have been contemplating. Speaking of contemplating things, Melinda and I along with her Oncologist have been discussing disability retirement for several months now. We believe that God has led us to this point. Melinda’s last day with her employee will be February 28th. It is a major life decision for us and our children. We pray it all goes smoothly. Melinda completed a round of chemo the week after Christmas. It made her a bit weaker. Melinda does seem to be eating better although her stomach pain continues. The current plan is to continue chemo treatments for at least the next six months; one week on three weeks off.
We ask that you please pray specifically that TRS will approve the disability retirement for Melinda. I ask that you pray for Melinda to continue to get better and that she will be Twelve Months Stronger a year from now.
God is in Control. Prayers for you and your family in 2019.
