Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Stepping Stones: The Burning Question

Transformational Tip

Yes, you have accepted Jesus as your savior... but have you asked yourself the next tburning question?

Three years back I lost my younger brother to cancer. Thankfully, Allen knew Christ and was ready to move onto eternity for complete and ultimate healing. Allen was a loving and dedicated husband and father…my neighbor and best friend. While deep sadness from his loss remains, what God taught those of us close to Allen during his fight has changed our lives. Here’s just one example.

During Allen’s final days he was an inpatient at a cancer treatment center. In addition to the medical staff, there were a team of ministers, priest, nuns and others constantly available for support, prayer, questions for the patients and their families. One of those was an 82-year-old nun…a retired missionary who spent her days visiting with the patients. Allen and Sister became friends.

On this particular day, Allen had received yet more devastating news about the spreading of his cancer. As he was sharing the news with me, Sister stopped in for her daily visit with Allen. Allen told her the news; Sister calmly asked Allen; “What can I do for you?”

Allen told her that he had this question that was plaguing him; he didn’t know if he should be praying for the healing promised in God’s Word…of if he should be praying to align his fate and future with the will of God…whatever that may be. Sister said; “Let me ask you the burning question Allen, have you given yourself totally to God? Do that and He will answer your question.”

Today, ask yourself that burning question, “Have you given yourself totally to God?” If the answer is no, then ask yourself why not and to whom/what have you given yourself? Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective about that burning question.

Prayer
Dear Father God, It is so beautiful and rewarding to see Your work even in difficult circumstances. Help me look to You, Father, during these and all other times. I want to live a life that is close to you. I ask You, Father, to remove all obstacles that prevent me from totally giving myself to Your. I pray this in the name of the one who gave himself totally, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:26