July 2, 2010

Today's reading: Isaiah 40, 41, 42; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2

Isaiah 40:28-31, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I remember a time in my life where I nearly died from a bleeding ulcer. I passed out from blood loss. I ignored it for (14) fourteen years. I would not recommend this. By the time I ended up in the emergency room I had lost over half my blood through a hole in my stomach. I still remember most of the details. My memory is getting progressively worse as I get older and I wonder if some of it is due to loosing all of that blood over the course of all those years.

I remember being so weak that I could not hardly get into the bed in the emergency room. When I did I started to pass out again and the nurse lovingly shoved smelling salts up my nose (she was a bit over zealous).

It took me an entire year; but, I finally built my blood back up without the aid of any transfusions. My doctor and I argued over that one for a while; but, I finally prevailed. I was so weak that at times I could hardly move. God was absolutely faithful to my family and I during this time as always.

When I think back to those days I am reminded of the words of Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Praise God!

I hope you are trusting in Jesus Christ today. If not there is no time like right now.