Wednesday, March 23, 2011

God is Still God and God is Still Good

I just recently saw this video about a man that was diagnosed with Cancer, Zac Smith (Google "Zac Smith Cancer") left behind a video when doctors could no longer do anything for him. "Cancer is the best thing that has ever happened to me." Not something you hear very often, is it?" Despite it all, he never lost his faith. "God is still God, and God is still good."

My story is quite different from his, but I too can say that my Muscular Dystrophy is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It took me a very long time to believe and accept this, but my entire life has been a journey to come to this conclusion through my faith in God. When I was real young, I didn't want to die. It scared me terribly, as I'm sure it would to any 7 year old. I didn't understand for years. "What did I do?" "Why am I the one who has to go through this?" Meeting Jesus changed my outlook completely, making me realize my life, however short, is a very good one. I feel blessed and I thank God every single day.

But, a nagging feeling still remained. "Why?" "I could do so much more for God if only I was cured!" I was in love with a girl, but I knew she would never be my wife. I would never be a husband. I would never have a family. I could no longer speak, or have the strength to hug my family and friends. These thoughts plagued me. I wanted to experience these things so badly. Sure, Some moments I still do, but then I realize God decided to give me a better life. A life where I am never alone, a life where He is there every time I call out for Him, a life where He comforts me whenever I feel discouraged.

Would I still see the glory of God without my Muscular Dystrophy? Would I still have my unwavering, unbreakable faith in Him? Though I can't be certain, I don't believe so. God allows for things to happen in our lives, people we meet, experiences we go through, to test our faith. If you didn't go through the many tests and trials throughout your life, would you be the same person you are today? When I go through something tough in my life, and i turn to God, there is nothing I can not overcome. Satan can throw whatever he wants, because God is with me. It's like climbing a mountain, once I climb over my troubles, I can see God's beauty for miles upon miles. Because God is always with me. Everything that has happened in my life has shaped me into the man I am today. I love Jesus with all my heart, soul, and mind. I know true peace through him that I can not find anywhere else. Jesus suffered and died on the cross so that I could live. What other life could I possibly want? Yes, Muscular Dystrophy is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Light Which Saves us

There are days in this world where you are reminded just how beautiful this place can be. Looking outside at the sunshine and white sprawling clouds rolling by, the warmth and the expanse of sky around us. Truly the work of a loving creator. He gave us a gift, giving us life and the freedom to live it. It's times like these I am reminded that life is beautiful, and when you choose Him, life is everlasting.

We have been on this earth for thousands of years. Mankind has seen disaster, war, famine, plague, tyranny, and the despair that follows unspeakable evil. Yet, we are still here. The sky is still blue, the rain is still cool, and the beauty is still here if you know where to look. Many people over the years have broken down, thinking the end was upon them, and there was no hope to recover from such terrible things. In that moment of despair, a hand reaches down and picks mankind up and sets us back on our feet. The hand is one that is always there, provided the one in need knows where to look.

God uses us for purposes we don't quite understand. There are those who reject Him for that, only seeing the darkness of the world. History shows us that left alone, those people only lead themselves further into the dark. I've seen that darkness first hand. But when I trusted God to open my eyes, it was like a blinding light consuming the darkness and filling my soul. No matter how thick the darkness is coming after me, there is always a light bright enough to filter through.
That is how the Lord battles Satan and keeps his evils from penetrating our souls. When you trust Him, His protection never fails. No matter what comes at you, always remember the beauty of God and His work. It is our duty to share that beauty, and teach the lost to live again through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Unlike the darkness of Satan, the light of God knows no bounds. With Him, the beauty of life becomes everlasting.