God gave me this devotion several years ago. I dug it out of the archives, because I really needed the reminder. Perhaps you do too. Let’s celebrate the small wins.
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Storms have a way of bringing life to a complete halt….but they also have a way of making us see hope in even the slightest ray of sunshine. In simple everyday things we would normally take for granted.
It’s been almost 5 years since my family endured one of the biggest storms of our lives.
On September 19, 2016 my husband received a call from a care flight nurse. His parents were involved in a serious car accident. Mom was being airlifted & dad’s condition was questionable.
In the days to follow, dad’s heart stopped twice, his kidneys were failing, he had double pneumonia, no one had a clue about his brain function and for 38 days, a ventilator seemed to be the only thing keeping him alive.
Family and friends prayed and stood by us. At the end of each day, one friend in particular would remind us to find one thing to praise God for…one small win for the day. Honestly, finding that ‘one thing’ wasn’t always easy.
If dad’s ventilator settings were lowered- that was a win. If he squeezed our hand, another win.
It was a slow and steady process of healing and recovery for mom and dad. Some days we took steps forward and some days we took steps back. Whichever way we went, God walked us through the flood waters and taught us along the way.
Over the next few months, the little wins added up and a miracle took place.
Mom and dad came home.
And five years later, they are still standing strong, interceding for others and serving the Lord with every ounce of strength God has given them.
Can I encourage you as I encourage myself?
Whatever our storm, let’s find something to praise God for.
For life, for friends, for an umbrella, for a few hours of sunshine and rest.
It may be a slow and steady process of healing and recovery…some steps forward, some steps back. Whichever way we go, I pray we experience God’s presence…walking us through the floodwaters, holding our hand along the way.
Isaiah 43:1-3
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you….for I am the Lord your God.”
-Binu
