To Him who hung on the cross and rose for me

When reports come of a little boy watching down the road, waiting for his daddy to come home, we shake our heads in sadness knowing that a daddy has abandoned his family.  Our hearts and our souls ache and we know our trust cannot be in man.  We must look to the cross.  We must hold on to the promises that come from looking to the cross and the Savior that hung there.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

I am aghast as my friend relays the unthinkable nightmare she witnessed today involving a 2-year-old little girl and a young boy.  My heart lurches within me.  Evil is prevalent in the world; we need a savior.  Praise the Lord, we have a Savior.

“For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Col. 1:13-14

The story is told to me of two children whose mother died soon after childbirth and the father is suffering from an unexplained illness.  The doctors cannot find the cause, and those around are convinced it is from a curse.  All I know is that those little boys do not have the privilege to be loved on by their mom and dad.  But praise God they have a Father who purchased them through the cross. 

“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace with which he has blessed us in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

As I ponder the events of the day, I am made aware of my own sins and inadequacies.  I feel my soul sinking to despair; evil seems to have won.  There is nothing I can do for any of these situations save the cross.  Look to my Savior!  Evil has not won.  Redemption has come and there is victory in looking to Him who hung on the cross and rose for me.

“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”  I Corinthians 1:28-31

I stand amazed!

Dealing with the medical system here in Uganda can at times be very frustrating and a nightmare, but fortunately, we are also so often reminded of our God who is in control.  I have experienced much the last few weeks as we had 3 children at GSF who had surgeries in 2 weeks.  The most extensive surgery was Kathy's colostomy.

Our nurses spent time talking to the surgeon and getting information about where to take her, when to take her and what to expect.  I called the financial assistant at the hospital to ask questions about the cost and to arrange payment.  We arranged transportation and picked an awesome caregiver Christine, our special needs helper, to be with her during her 7 days hospital stay.  We confirmed that food would be provided for the two.  So on the appointed day, they went, the nurse, Christine and Kathy.  They spent all day there waiting for the surgeon to come so he could do the proper paper work to admit them.  At 4:50 pm they called to tell me that the hospital would not admit her because we didn't send enough money.  So I frantically called my financial assistant friend who would be getting off at 5, and she sweetly went to find our trio to help them be admitted for the night and our nurse to return home.

The next day as we were awaiting news of the surgery, our nurse told me that she was told that the pair wouldn't be getting food at the hospital.  She had given Christine some money to help for a couple of meals.  So I agreed to call my financial assistant friend to make sure their meals were provided.  The day continued and news came in periodically about Kathy and her surgery.  She did well and rested through the afternoon.  I kept informing everyone who was praying.  There were also various issues at the land so I kept very busy.  At 5:10 pm, I got a message from our child care manager, "Christine doesn't have money or food for supper."  I totally forgot!  I had made a commitment to ensure our sweet caregiver for Kathy would have meals and I blew it!  Messed up.  I knew the financial office was closed for the day, but I tried the phone anyway.  Yep, no luck, no answer.  I started to pray and asked others to pray.  I couldn't have Christine go without food because of my mistake.

I have two friends who live and have connections in Kampala.  I asked if they could get money to Christine or knew anyone who could.  Both were trying to help.  One of my friends, Julie realized the hospital was close to where one of her friends lived.  She said she would call and see if her friend could walk over to the hospital and give Auntie Christine the money.  A few minutes later, Julie called me back to tell me the incredible news.  Her friend was walking NEXT TO the hospital when Julie called her and would go in and give the money to Christine!  Incredible.  This is not a large hospital that spans a block or two but a tall very skinny building, so that she was walking right by it is amazing.  God is good.

I found out later that this sweet lady went in with another friend and prayed with Christine and Kathy.  They not only gave her money for food but encouraged her soul.  I was able to call the next day and arranged for Christine and Kathy to receive food from the hospital.  I stand amazed again at a God who knows.  He is a God who provides in spite of our faults, shortcomings and sins.