“‘If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’ ” (Daniel 3:17-18)
The heat index is 105°. We’re in the middle of the first heat wave of the summer. Just like last summer.
A year ago, I was asked to be a guest speaker for a fellow professor. The classroom would be air conditioned, so I agreed. The commitment required me to teach for seven hours straight. An impossible feat, given my limited stamina. Living with multiple sclerosis means planning activities that last 4-6 hours. Any longer and I fade. Like a limp, dying plant. God would have to provide the physical and mental strength.
Then we found out our son and his wife would be traveling to visit us. Their stay would be brief. Thursday, I’d be teaching. But the day before, I’d be able to spend a full day with them.
Wednesday morning I awoke to a broken air conditioning unit. The heat and humidity quickly took their toll onme. My aches felt more painful. I became listlessness. Dizzy. It would take several days to recover.
But I had to teach for seven hours the next day! Fear consumed my thoughts. Self-pity crept in. No chance of a happy visit!
My son drove me to a book store where we sat in air conditioning. Happily chatting while waiting for his wife to call and say the repairman had fixed our unit.
The next day, I experienced God’s miraculous power. He faithfully equipped me to teach the full seven hours. That day of oppressive heat became another cherished memory of God’s presence in my life.
This time our son and his wife will be bringing their new baby. My husband’s mother will be meeting her for the first time. A moment not to be missed.
But the heat. . . Everyone will be meeting at a local restaurant. I’ll wear a sun dress. Bring my cooling vest and portable fan.But I won’t pack my fear. With temperatures feeling like a furnace, I have Daniel’s friends cheering me on, reminding me, “God is able. . . He walks with you through the heat.”
God’s presence and good planning–the perfect formula for an enjoyable summer!
Prayer: Dear Father, I pray the heat will not prevent me from attending important family events. I know You’re able to make a way for me to attend them. But if not, I know You will reveal Your presence and love for me. Give me wisdom to know how to cope with the weather. How to stay cool. Which activities I should avoid. Replace any self-pity with gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993.Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs.http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
How do you manage to keep a grateful spirit when health interrupts life?
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