Precious Jesus,
You were there in the jeep in Sedona when my neck broke. You already had the angels assembled to watch over me so that I was not paralyzed. You were many steps before me orchestrating the week that would alter my life forever. You had already spent years building friendships for me so that I would have the infrastructure for what was to come. You gave me parents who trained me and encouraged me to seek you at all cost. My foundation of faith was strong, which it needed to be for what you had planned. You gave me a husband who is compassionate and loving so that I had someone physically there to cling to. You ordained our marriage so that the three of us (You, Jon and I) would be bound like a strong rope to withstand the storm. You put Anthony Prince in my path so we could talk about my teaching Sunday School; so that he would send that lesson with the verses and motto I would need to gain strength to grab hold of your hand as I was slipping into the abyss of pain and confusion.
You were in the MRI room knowing that the truth was about to be revealed. You were standing next to Dr. Woodward as he read the report that would alter all my hopes and dreams of the future. You were in the office that night as Dr. Woodward tearfully broke the news. You had Angels standing by watching over my two girls in the waiting room, their innocence still in tact and their world was good and perfect for the moment. You were with Jon and I that night as we cried out in disbelief and we begged for another explanation to be revealed.
Jesus, it was your envelope (addressed by Anthony) that came the next day with two promises and the words "God is at His Best When Life is at it's Worst." You humble me. Your love made me drop to me knees in wonder at your never ending compassion and mercy. You told me that day you would never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) and that if I trusted in you all things would work to the good for your purpose (Romans 8:28). You did not take away the pain, but you gave me the first taste of peace that you were at hand and fully aware of what was going on with me. You were in control, and you never break your promises.
Those first days were horribly painful. Not only was our world crashing down, but I was in intense pain physically. Our Bible Study Group was there to surround us and be the first to pray for us, and phone calls were made to my long time friends Cheryl Powers and Cindy Axton. I know there were some sleepless nights for all concerned. I still had to tell my parents. How do you tell your parents that you are dying?
Jesus, you were the light. You were the foundation. You were the one who carried me through those first days, and beyond. Just like that story of the footsteps in the sand, there was only one set of footprints that week, and they were yours. I was too broken to walk. You were the lifter of my head, because my neck was too broken to look up.
It has been five years, and what you have done amazes me. Not because I ever limited you or thought you were incapable of miracles, but more amazed that you could take a simple girl like me and set her up in a ministry that involves writing and talking and being bold. Why me? I am sure there are people better than I. Yet, it has not been me, it has been You all along. You are the writer, I am the typist. You are the Savior, I am just trying to shine your light. You are the Word, the Truth, and the Life. I have never regretted giving my life to you. You given me life back, but with a new purpose.
I pray that this week, and the many years to come, that I can be a part of people seeing that giving their life to you is the biggest decision they will ever make. I pray that my journey of faith will intersect with others so that more people can walk their own journey of faith knowing that you are a living God who walks ahead of us to point the way.
Love,
Your Servant Sandy
