Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“A Miracle of Hope in the Midst of Strife"

It’s been a rough few weeks. The Stock Market reports look more like a roller coaster ride with violent ups and downs and even a few brutal curves. Meanwhile our world economy acts much like the kid sitting in the first seat of the coaster looking nauseous. The violence in the Mid East continues. Local newspapers feature more stories of lay-offs, accounting scandals and corporate bankruptcies.

You could loudly complain to anyone who will still listen or bury your head in the sand hoping no one will notice and simply pass by. You could stay up all night watching the news and worry yourself sick. But, as a minister, I learned that often in the midst of strife God displays a miracle of… hope.

This week, I witnessed an example of how one miracle can remind us God is still in control.

For two years, Berenice and family faithfully cared for her mother, also named Berenice, after she was diagnosed with cancer and a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s disease. At first, it was difficult but there were bright moments. Our church organized a “Bridge” club so she could enjoy her favorite pastime. Her moments of forgetfulness and mood swings were endured as a phase of her disease.

Over the last twelve months, her mother’s condition slowly worsened. Even the “Bridge” outings had to be cancelled. As the cancer spread, the dementia took its toll on everyone as Bernice’s mother became increasingly frustrated, suspicious and moody. Often in this situation, mother becomes child: rebellious and argumentative. Yet, throughout the whole ordeal, Berenice continued to lovingly care for her. It wasn’t easy. Occasionally, Berenice would retreat to the church to pray, to think and to cry.

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Then, Berenice’s mother had a stroke and was admitted to the hospital. By this time, she no longer recognized anyone and her occasional conversations could more accurately be described as incoherent ramblings. But she was also waving her arms more and at times even looked like she was holding an imaginary pen and attempting to write something. Honestly, no one thought anything of it.

An alert nurse noticed the gestures and suggested that Berenice put a pen in her hand and place a sheet of paper underneath. “I thought it was silly,” Berenice told me later but reluctantly followed the nurse’s instructions. Berenice’s mother paused for a moment and then she began to slowly and deliberately write three extraordinary words: “I love you.” Four days later, she passed away.

In one special moment, Berenice’s two year long struggle was made worthwhile by a miracle of love. Berenice and her family will always treasure that single piece of paper. What about you? Do you need a miracle of hope within your roller coaster ride of life? Look at the promises from God listed below:

† For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. (Psalm 9:18)

† In sudden fear I had cried out, I have been cut off from the Lord! But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord! (Psalm 31: 22, 24)

† O Lord, you alone are my hope. (Psalm 71:5)

† Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the Lord is shining upon you. Darkness as black as night will cover all the nations of the earth but the glory of the Lord will shine over you. (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Wow! Four unique promises of hope: 1. You will not be forgotten… is God’s promise you are never alone. 2. Be strong and take courage… is God’s plea to never give up. 3. God alone is our hope… reminds you to keep putting your faith in God alone. 4. The glory of the Lord will shine over you… is the best promise yet. God’s miracle of light will lead the way. I feel better already. Don’t you?

The stock market is still a roller coaster ride. The Mid-East is too violent and I don’t like what I’ve been reading in the newspaper. But I do know that God is firmly in charge, making sure I will never be forgotten, giving me strength, providing hope and shining His light of love over me. Just ask Berenice.

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Last modified August 7, 2002.

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