Devotions for Each Morning of the Year
Joyce Meyer
November 27
"Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dred no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Knowing God personally requires trusting Him through the hard times in life and not running away from trials. It requires being faithful to do whatever He says to do, being steadfast while waiting for Him to work out your problems.
You understand how faithful and how good God is when you see His deliverance in your life. You can't get that certainty by reading a book about Him. Your faith increases by going through tough times and seeing His presence make a difference in your life. Don't run away from God during tests and trials, draw near to Him, and listen for His voice of assurance.
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How awesome is this!!! This is what I really needed to be reminded of today. 5 years ago today was my last meal with my dad, it was my last night with him. Little did I know that approximately 24 hours after our Thanksgiving lunch at Bryce's Cafeteria with our family my dad would be gone from this earth forever. Yes his spirit lives on, but his physical presence is no longer with me.
I remember everything about that Thanksgiving and the Friday morning after. They were 2 really good days and then a horrible Friday afternoon.
I remember everything I/we did that Thanksgiving day....our family lunch, our trip to mamaw's afterwards for another visit (because my dad just 'felt' like he needed to go), that Thanksgiving night me & another putting some of my college furniture together and my dad wanting us to all sign our names on it with the date...it just seems as this wonderful man who I called 'daddy' was acting different...could his inner spirit have known this was going to happen. ?!?! Just looking back, my mom and I are amazed at the events that took place right before the accident. I remember shopping by myself that Friday morning and calling my mom and dad (while they were shopping together) to ask them questions about some items I was buying for others. I shopped all morning, and of course....my dad found me! What a sneak! We laughed and of course gave each other such a hard time! They caught me as I was buying my mom a purse for Christmas. We went our separate ways and I continued shopping like a maniac! I had insisted on going alone, because I was a big girl now! =) After hours of driving around town, shopping, and waiting in line I headed home. I went to my bedroom and shut the door and hid myself and all the goodies to the side of my bed in case I had any intruders! & OF COURSE I DID...MY DAD!!! He walked in...plopped on the bed and said, "So what'd I get?" I started pushing items under the bed, covering them up with my body, and throwing a fit because he's 'peeking'....then as I thought and looked around...there was nothing for him. How could this have happened?!?! Why didn't I get anything for him?!?! I had bought something for everyone but my dad. I felt horrible. It wasn't that he didn't cross my mind, I knew what I was going to get him...but it just didn't happen. After the accident I thought back to me not buying him anything and praising God...because how could I have taken that stuff back....how could I have kept it?!?! It would have made a horrible situation even more emotional. So really, God had his hand in this situation throughout the whole time....before, during, and after. I am completely amazed at how this life changing tragedy unfolded.
I know that I talk about 'the accident' a lot, and I must not forget that my beautiful mom was spared. God protected her and allowed her to walk away with no major physical injuries...only soreness, few visible bruises/scratches, but most of all a hurt...broken...saddened heart, and many memories of which I will never know.
My dad had begged me to go that day with them to the Football game in Tyler. I refused...I just didn't want to go. Why?!?!...I don't know! In some ways I'm glad that I wasn't there...and others I wish like crazy that I was. Although it would have been a horrible scene, I do feel like it would have put a 'finality' on it all...and make it more real to me. When your dad leaves mid morning to go to a football game just a few hours away, you don't expect to never see him again.
I never saw the car, I've never seen the 'spot' where the accident took place...I just think something of this type would have given me some closure. I'm not sure. ?!?!
I do praise God every time that I get in a car and buckle up that my mom is alive today. I do think she is a miracle. After being in such a tragic accident where the car is flipped many, many times...my dad ejected from the vehicle (from not wearing his seat belt), and my mom was able to eventually escape the vehicle on it's roof and walk away form the rubble...I am amazed.
So thank you Lord for keeping my mom safe. Thank you Lord for making my mom strong. Thank you Lord for healing my mom from the inside Thank you Lord for her love, guidance, support, and friendship.
So today...I am most thankful for...MY MOM!
Happy Thanksgiving...
~Amanda~
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