Uncategorized 3 Minutes
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2024
 
The first few weeks after Shannon was attacked by our neighbor’s bull, I was completely overwhelmed.  Our future had taken a very unexpected turn, and I knew my first job was to spend the rest of my life caring for my beautiful wife.  But I didn’t know what that would look like or how I was going to do it.
 
At the hospital, as Shannon underwent surgery and began very intensive therapies, her different therapists began to say I needed to meet another couple in the hospital.  His name was Tom and hers was Shannon.  They said we would really like each other.
 
I decided I was too emotionally drained to meet anyone, so I put it off.  I was tired and feeling sorry for Shannon and myself.
 
One day there was a knock at Shannon’s door.  When I opened it, a man was standing there who was about my age.  It was Tom.  I immediately liked him.  He told me his Shannon was being released to return home and he wanted to meet the people her therapists kept saying he should meet.  We immediately hit it off.  Then I met his Shannon and her caregiver, and I understood what was happening.  God was speaking.
 
Tom and Shannon are much further down the road than my Shannon.  They have already walked the path we are on.  We have become friends.  By his presence, he has been able to show me whatever challenges are ahead for my Shannon, we will be able to manage them.  Again, I give God the credit.
 
I pray you never deal with a loved one suffering from a traumatic brain injury.  But I do know sooner or later you will face a trial that seems overwhelming, with no hope of rescue or respite.  Don’t forget God is with you in the midst of your confusion and pain.  You are not alone.  God is always speaking.
 
When Elijah is at his lowest moment, he is running for his life because Jezebel has promised to murder him.  He believes all other prophets that had been loyal to God have been massacred and he’s completely alone.
 
In the wilderness, afraid and without any help, Elijah is filled with despair.  Suddenly and angel appears, and God says, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  (1 Kings 19:9b).  After sharing with God his hopelessness and pain, he is given instructions to go to Mount Horeb and present himself before God.
 
Elijah makes the journey and waits for God to pass by.  God is not in the terrible winds that split mountains, the great earthquake that shakes the world, or the all-consuming fire.  As Elijah stands at the entrance of the cave and looks out over the world, there is complete, total silence.  In the midst of the silence, God says, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”   (1 Kings 19:13b)
 
At that moment, Elijah knows he is not alone. God had been there all along.  Elijah spends the rest of his life serving the God who spoke when he believed his life was over.
 
Your life is not over.  God’s got big plans for you.  It doesn’t mean you won’t have moments when you feel isolated and there’s no hope.  God will not leave you in that bad place.  All you have to do is listen.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments of despair, help me hear you speak.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
God spoke to me through a man named Tom.  I am very thankful.
 
Also, have I mentioned Tom has an awesome name?
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins 
Unknown's avatar

Published by First Methodist Church | Temple, Tx

Published

2 thoughts on “”

Comments are closed.