Friday, December 10, 2010

Lessons from the Edge

There is always HOPE.

One of my favorite residents (OK, I know I'm not supposed to have 'favorites'. But if I did, well, D would be one of them. *wink*) has fallen a few times and ended up in the hospital a couple weeks ago - with some broken ribs. I visited him in the hospital a few times, and he wasn't looking good. One day I couldn't understand anything he said, and I had a feeling his life was coming to an end.
But the next time I visited, he looked so much better!
And yesterday he left the hospital and moved to re-hab.
Today I went to visit again, and was pleased to see how well he's doing. Oh, there is still a long way to go. But he seems to be a long way from where he was.
And God is using this situation to remind me that I need to not give up hope. Even when a circumstance looks grim to me (or you!), it is not too difficult for God to handle. While I know not every situation is going to end up 'happy', God is reminding me to keep trusting in Him. Because there is always HOPE.

And HOPE is what I pray D will embrace. I have been talking to him about God's love for us through Jesus. He says he doesn't believe God could love him, but I pray God will make me an instrument to communicate His love to this precious man. Because - even in death - if we know Jesus, there is always HOPE.

Karen

8 comments:

Leah Adams said...

I bet D sees Jesus in you every time you visit him. Praying for his heart to be softened to the Lord.

Leah

Karen Hossink said...

Leah - Thank you for praying!

TheUnSoccerMom said...

I pray Jesus will work through you and D will see all the Hope and Grace waiting for him. :o)

Thank you for your prayer yesterday. The line that stuck out the most? "Holy Spirit within her would enable her to wait patiently for You - and be patient with those around her." Especially that last part. I need that last part, for real... :o)

Karen Hossink said...

Jodi - Thank you for praying. I know D is precious in God's sight, and I so want to show HIS love to him.

Regarding the prayer, you're so welcome. Honestly, it was not my plan to pray for everyone when I wrote that post, but as I read the comments - God made it clear that's what I was to do. :)

LisaShaw said...

Hi Karen,

Popping in to love on you and what do I find? A message of love in return. The message of HOPE IN CHRIST is one of pure love. I pray too that D will embrace HIM and the love He has for him.

I'm sure that Jesus is using you to show D His love. What a beautiful opportunity you have.

Praying for you my sister even when you don't know it. You have an incredible heart for the LORD. I learn from you.

Much love and Christmas blessings.

Karen Hossink said...

Lisa - I love it when you pop in. :)
Thanks for praying for D. I saw him today and he looks even better.
Yes - for the love of God to flow through me!

Angie Muresan said...

I think God is. A few years ago, one of my residents turned to my dad (who had been helping me out as I was short on staff) on her death bed and said: I see Jesus in you, and I believe. I was right there, as was her son and daughter-in-law. The next morning she passed away. I will never forget that as long as I live. And I try to live in such a way that Jesus can be seen in me.

Karen Hossink said...

Angie - That's a beautiful story! Thank you for telling me.