I
suppose there is something a little wrong with reading a devotional like one
might read a horoscope, but sometimes I find myself doing something akin to
just that; and this coming Saturday happens to be one of those dates. My
younger brother, Tommy, is getting married this Saturday, June 19th, and in
preparation for the big day I thought it would be interesting to see what my
"red" devotional had to say for him on his wedding day.
As I
began to read, I just couldn't believe my eyes....It began, "You are held
in the Hand that holds the world. You are kept by the Power that rules
the universe...."
Ever
since my older brother, Bobby, became a juvenile diabetic at age 7 and my
younger brother, Tommy, was diagnosed with a rare form of juvenile macular degeneration
of his eyes ( A.K.A. Stargardt's disease), my mother has earnestly sought the
Lord for His promises regarding her two beloved sons. She has testified
many times of how God has comforted her from the scriptures in regards to each
of their health conditions. God has given her very specific scriptures
for each of her children; and depending on which child she is fretting over at
the time she will quote God's promises as comfort about that one.
For my
little brother Tommy, both regarding his spiritual walk and his genetic eye
condition, God gave my mom the promise early on found in 2Timothy 1:12, which
reads, "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able
to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
Yes, Tommy
is "being kept by the Power that rules the universe," just as the
devotional excerpt begins.
And
considering both Tommy's eye condition and the fact that just about every major
circumstance in his life is about to change (getting marrying and moving), the
rest of the devotional reading is just as apropos. It goes on by saying,
"None can pluck you from My hand.' It is not your feelings that
keep you. It is not even your faith - for I know that waxes and wanes
quickly under differing circumstances. No, it is My hand that holds you,
My child, and protects you when you are least aware of it. When your eyes
are open and you are able to see this reality, give thanks and offer praise.
When you cannot see or feel the reality, still give thanks and praise.
This is an act of faith with which I am pleased. And by the exercise of
your faith, it will grown stronger and steadier."
So,
tomorrow we all head up to Eagle's Mere for the big day: Tommy and
Heather's wedding! BTW, Heather is terrific! Not that I had a vote
in Tommy's choice, I give my soon-to-be new sister-in-law two thumbs up!
As for
me in the wedding festivities, I am in fact planning to walk down the
aisle - Well, Waddle down the
aisle at least, at 36 weeks pregnant.
Lord,
thank you for this baby in my womb and sustainer her to this day. I ask that you continue to keep her in the palm of your mighty hand. Bless my little brother and his new
bride. We praise you and thank you for all your many blessings and mercies – You
are most worthy of our praise!
It is so good to see a post from you!!! I am so glad you are doing well and we have been meaning to reach out to you. We'll have to make contact next week! Do give our blessing upon Tommy and Heather this weekend and we shall be thinking of you all. You shared some wonderful scriptures so relevant to your brother!
Speak to you soon,
Naomi
PS My friend Debbie in England who delivered her baby girl three weeks ago, asks after you all the time and she is praying for your baby. She was moved by your testimony on the video which I shared with all the ladies when I was there.
Posted by: Naomi | June 17, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Praise the Lord for an exciting weekend ahead...wonderful, new family members, and healthy-kicking babies. LOVE your blog and your devotion to the Lord Ker...miss you tons...big hug to you!
love
sally
Posted by: sally mcrae | June 17, 2010 at 07:55 PM
Praise the Lord, Kerry, for all His provision for your mother, brother, and for your precious little baby! I have been praying as the Lord brought you to mind over these weeks. Feel connected in so many ways to you through ShowHope, adoption, etc..and especially walking with the Father in Christ Jesus. May God continue to bless and sustain. For His Glory.
Lori
SC
Posted by: Lori | June 17, 2010 at 08:40 PM
Leaving China today. It was great to read this update. Many Many blessings to Tommy and Heather! You will look beautiful! Can wait to see pictures.
Posted by: Anna | June 18, 2010 at 01:09 AM
*can't wait!
Posted by: Anna | June 18, 2010 at 01:12 AM
THANK YOU! The Scripture and your mom's story of faith are encouraging to me as I too trust Him for "things yet unseen" in my family. I'm praying for all of you...especially the precious one who will soon make her debut in this world. I can't wait to see her sweet face! I pray that this wedding weekend is filled with the Spirit, and you, Kerry, will be a beautiful picture of God's blessing on your family!
I love you...and those you love
Posted by: Kathy McKinney | June 18, 2010 at 10:39 AM