Did you know that angels ride on elevators? I just found out myself.
MD Anderson is a giant city of cancer centers that begins with Elevator A and ends with elevator U. After an uncomfortable breast cancer test, my husband and I went to a rotunda lobby with Elevators R, S, T, and U to wait on the results. Randomly, I chose a hidden corner of seats at Elevator U, and we settled in, neither of us daring to speak of what the tests might reveal. Just then, the door opened, a couple stepped off, and we looked up to hear – “Jay – Diane!” We had not seen Hugh and Marylynn Kirby for about two decades, yet on this day, they arrived with compassion and encouragement. Marylynn held my hands and prayed over me while Hugh prayed over Jay. It was a bountiful gift of mercy poured upon us like fresh water.
I recently found out that although the Kirbys do travel back and forth to Houston for cancer treatment, they only use Elevator U once a year! One day out of 365; one moment in that day of 1,440 minutes; 1 elevator out of 25.
Nothing is too hard for our Lord Jesus.
Sometimes we get overwhelmed, and we ask, “God, do you even see me? Do you even care?” Like Hagar, the runaway slave, we find ourselves in a wilderness of discouragement and are tempted to give up on joy. The LORD met her there, and she called Him “the God who sees me.” He told her to name her son “Ishmael,” meaning “God hears me.” I cherish the moments of this story as the Angel of the Lord comes to her: “Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.”
God SEES you. God HEARS you. He did not remove Hagar from pain; He did walk through it with her. God did not remove me or Marylynn from pain, but He has continued to walk with us through it. Strength for the battle comes from praise. It begins with a decision – “I will” and continues with a pre-determined declaration – “His praise will continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)
Memorize Psalm 34:1-3 this week – write it on a card to carry with you. Read it at stop lights, while you wait in lines or rooms.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. (v.3)
“Just because I am in a bad situation does not mean the bad situation needs to be in me.” – Jay Strack
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Always Expect Amazing,
Diane Strack