A Severe Mercy
One of the most loving things my husband did for my mother caused her much pain. Some friends had joined us for a steak dinner, and suddenly mother left the table. Daniel noticed she didn't immediately return, so he followed her into the kitchen. He saw she was turning blue and realized some steak was caught in her throat. He immediately began the Heimlich maneuver as one of the guests dialed 911. Her fragile ribs were injured, but the steak was dislodged. Although she had sore ribs for a few days, she did not complain. What did sore ribs matter? She was alive!
If someone had looked through the window at that moment, they might have thought a lady was being abused. Often we can see only a sketchy view of what God is doing in our lives when we are experiencing what C. S. Lewis called a "severe mercy."
Just as a good physician may injure ribs to prevent choking, God's infinite wisdom sees what is inconsistent with our ultimate happiness, and in His goodness, He removes it. It is His goodness that removes those things that would encourage us to depend upon something other than Him.
I give thanks to you, Lord, for You are good; Your love endures forever.
"For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men" (Lamentations 3:33).
Conference Testimony
This note is so long overdue!
I had the privilege of attending the Come to The Fire conference last fall with a group of ladies from my church. My heart was warmed and became open to His Spirit again! It was just what I needed so desperately to reconnect with my Saviour.
Several times I have watched some of the video taken during the conference. SO uplifting and inspiring.
I must say I agree with all of those that say this conference is about our Lord, not those presenting or leading worship. Praise Him!
I have read how you had this idea in your heart and how it developed. Please know I will continue to be thankful for all of you listening to Him and asking Him for guidance and keeping Him the focus and center.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14, 15).
