The Confederate Soldier's Prayer

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve. I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for but got everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

Joe and Jessa I used to have this poem framed on my dresser. A reminder that God is in the business of giving me what I need not necessarily what I want. His agenda is far more effective than the one I have planned. However, when I read I Chronicles 4:10 I wasn't sure if was ready to say this prayer! To be honest everything sounded good except the part about ENLARGING my territory.

Before October of 2012, when my ALS symptoms started, my only complaint was life was too busy! Life was full of ministries, friends and you! I had no thoughts of retiring early, writing about my faith journey with the Lord, or your daddy being my full time care giver. I didn't know about canes, walkers, transport chairs, computer speech devices, wheelchair accessible homes, PT, OT, ST, electric wheelchairs, feeding tubes or wheelchair accessible vans. My life was going to change in ways I was not prepared BUT God already knew how, and when He would meet our needs.

This last weekend we had a wonderful wheelchair accessible van delivered to our home in South Carolina all the way from Minnesota. More than 100 people sacrificially donated money to make this happen! God has been surrounding us with an incredible network of friends and family to demonstrate amazing love and support, ENLARGING our families connection with friends far and near. ALS is the tool He chose to use to SHOWCASE His grace and mercy through others.

Exactly what we need, VANTASTIC!

I Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!

Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

And God granted his request.