Sent and Received

Soon after the surgery began, the surgeon asked to meet me in a consultation room. With a heavy heart, he asked me to sit down. "Pastor, I'm saddened to tell you,” Dr. Thaemert, a trusted friend and member of our church family, told me. “We have some serious complications. I wasn't able to remove Jeannie's gallbladder. There are inoperable cancerous growths surrounding it."
From that moment, I knew Jeannie’s situation was very grave. In the following days, we learned how extensively the cancer had spread. Over the next four months, our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, lovingly guided us through the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and staff gently prodded and tenderly gathered us along the path of life. Daily, the physical evidences of decay were unmistakable. Yet, the manifestation of eternal life shined through the shadows.
Many of you have been down this same pathway. Some of you are currently walking in similar shadows. Others of you will, sooner or later, enter this valley. Whatever your situation may be, I trust the truths of this book will effectively minister to you.
Jeannie died four months later, on May 22, 2005, the day before my 58th birthday. Since that day, many have asked what blessings came out of that crisis for us. At first, it was hard to sort out just one blessing. Of course, there were the blessings of God's Word, there were the special intimate conversations with Jeannie, the people praying, the cards and letters – they were all gifts from God's hand.
However, blessing did come to the forefront.
It is best stated in Psalm 46 and Psalm 73. "God is our refuge and strength,” says Psalm 46:1, “a very present help in trouble.” In the same way, Psalm 73:28a states, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.” God's presence was and is our greatest blessing. He was there before the trouble came, He never left us for a moment, and He has not failed to be with me and my four daughters since the day of Jeannie's glorious home going.
Romans 8:28 also declares, “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.” It does not say all things are good, but all things will work together for good to those who love Him and are seeking to do His will. This is the blessing God has sent. Jesus is available to all who call upon Him. If you haven't done so, ask Him to forgive your sins. Tell Him you love Him. He is the blessing, who can be received by simple childlike faith. Ask Him to come into your heart. He will. He is present. He will never leave you or forsake you, no matter how dark the shadows become.
If I can be of help, simply email me at pastorbrandt@knowingthesavior.org.
—Pastor M.W. Brandt, August 2006, Sioux Falls, South Dakota