God Within
Becky Savage of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. -John 14:16-17
My mom was active. She was working at Outreach International, serving as pastor, writing, and singing. She was an awesome grandma, mother, sister, aunt, and wife. Dad was ready for retirement, and they were looking forward to traveling together. Then mom started tripping and falling. Items dropped from her grasp unexpectantly. Doctors were perplexed. The symptoms were difficult to diagnosis. Obviously, something was wrong, but what? It was difficult to not question, “Why, God? Why now?”
Despite family members’ questions and spiritual distress mom remained steadfast. She received a terminal diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Still she remained assured of God’s continued loving presence. Her body lost muscle and nerve function gradually over five years. She needed canes, then a walker, then a wheelchair, and finally was bedbound. Still she remained confident that God blessed her. Even when her only movement was from her neck upward, her spirit remained strong.
We knew Mom was dying. Mom convinced us that God remained with her. Because she stayed faithful, we stayed strong as we journeyed with her through her final stage of life. Her faith sustained us. We now know no matter our circumstances, God is within.
Prayer Phrase
In God we all belong.
Spiritual Practice
Sustaining Our Connections
Many find themselves isolated around the world to protect each other and the most vulnerable during this global pandemic. Spend time prayerfully imagining those people that you might normally come into contact with on a regular basis, known and unknown. Remember all the connections that sustain our lives each day. Even in this time of intentional separation, how are you experiencing deep, intrinsic belonging in God?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
