 “Like a Bridge Over Troubled Waters” was a Simon & Garfunkel song that became very popular about the same time Weyburn and I were married in 1970. I no longer remember when I heard it first, nor do I know how the words became etched in my mind because we did not listen to music radio stations while I grew up, or in the home that Weyburn and I established. However as a Christian, the words resonated with me in the fact that I knew my bridge over any troubled times was my Lord Jesus Christ.
Recently a verse from Isaiah came to my computer via email in a beautiful visualized form. Isaiah 43:2 "When you go through deep waters, I will be there." Because of mom’s present journey with cancer, I have latched onto this verse. I have made it my screen saver, and take comfort in it each time I read it. God is with us as we have the privilege of caring for mom each moment of every day that He leaves her in our care. I am spending extra time in my sister’s home helping to care for mom. Because of this, I am going to take a break from posting blogs to this website. However, I am writing my thoughts regarding our journey in our CaringBridge website. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeandouras We would be honoured to have you join us there and follow God’s work in our lives during the last days mom is with us. Thank you for your prayers and interest in Discerning Hearts Ministry. Thank you for your prayers for our mom. I expect to return to writing here in a few months. Allow God to be your guide as you go through your “troubled waters.”
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 Have you ever thought it would be nice to know exactly what will happen tomorrow and in the weeks ahead? It might help us prepare better. However, knowing what’s coming would take away so many of the great surprises of life. And, we would also know the tough stuff coming up, which would make it hard to enjoy today.
Mom came to stay with us for several days recently. She and I began to memorize Psalm 51: 10 – 12 together. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” I had also started memorizing James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (A very precious promise!) A few days into her visit we received a phone call from my sister. The results of mom’s recent colonoscopy were in, and it was not what we wanted to hear. My mom has been diagnosed with cancer. God knew we would need the above verses to bring direction and comfort at this time. He planted the desire to learn them to prepare us for the news of her cancer. I can honestly say that God is giving us the “right spirit”. He has restored joy. Please understand – no, I’m not happy she has cancer. She has times of fear and sadness. I don’t want her to suffer any more than she has already. Yes, I cried yesterday, in fact as I write this I have tears. However, it is possible to have tears of sadness and joy at the same time; joy and peace knowing that her future and ours are in the hands of an all knowing and loving God. Knowing some key verses, having them as part of my DNA before a crisis hits has enabled me to navigate each situation. I encourage you to add to your library of memorized scripture today. There are things you can do today to prepare for an unknown future, and knowing God’s word, hiding it in your heart is one of the most important. Be ready for the next challenge in your life. If you are in the middle of difficulty, memorizing God’s Word will give you the knowledge, power and wisdom to handle it. Just this week I found a website and on-line program that is helping me memorize more scripture. It is very appropriately and simply named Memorize His Word. (http://www.memorizehisword.com) Its method is similar to writing out the scripture on a whiteboard and then erasing a word or two at a time. But it’s done electronically. It also offers other methods of review, and tracks what you are memorizing. Great site! We have an awesome God! None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. None of us knows what lies ahead, but God does. Jeremiah 29:11–14b (ESV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.“ Memorize God’s Word. Let it fill you, comfort you, and guide you. Be prepared for tomorrow. |
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