COMFORT OF HOPE...part 3

I titled this chapter COMFORT OF HOPE..because that is exactly what it is..COMFORTing to know that we can have hope in the LORD; in his work and his will.

To rest upon his promises...the innumerable promises found in his Word.

As I read the scriptures I find the treasures of GOD.

Treasure: Wealth, riches stored: highly prized: cherished: for future use.

Imagine that this treasure is given us...for use as we need! riches to enhance our lives to fulfillment, highly prized as the BEST and absolutely CHERISHED.

There have been times in my life that I have actually held my BIBLE to my breast and with awe have hugged it, as it is HIM.

St. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

So much thankfulness overflows in my heart for the promises that have been mine and more that are mine!

One cannot know the power nor the treasure of His Word without knowing him..the LORD. Just as a letter comes to you from one you do not know..can you comprehend the depths of their words? A total stranger? NO. But, know the person in a very personal way and YES, their words can reach to the depths of your heart and you can understand, yea, even the simplest words.

Does... I LOVE YOU...mean anything from a STRANGER... you'd ask WHY are YOU saying this to ME? I don't know you!

Know the person well and the heart of the individual and...I LOVE YOU...could transform your heart ..give you such JOY....such happiness of belonging. Three simple words.

...God is love. I John 4:8b

And so...as the days pass with my son's condition and knowing we have numbered days, we rest in this love of GOD. We trust and we wait upon his appointed time.

The days, many weary. Some days Stephen's congestion is so bad that a therapist is needed and shows me how to massage his back to loosen phlegm. His hearing is now only 50%. Other days he needs morphine to rest his body.

One visit as I held, him a nurse came into minister the meds. He immediately slumped in my arms..renewing my mind to the fact of this very grave time. His impending death. I held him closely, my eyes full...my husbands arms reached around my shoulder and his eyes were full too.

It was only November....will it be this month? Will it be next month? Before his first birthday?...that is April.

What do you do at such a time? You pray, you hold the hand of your loved one, you have thankfulness in your heart to those who have helped you: family, friends, hospital staff. You cherish the letters, the calls. You humble your heart and mind to the frailty of man and know GOD. You put "self" aside and HIM first. You talk to GOD...every moment of the day, and he hears.

You look and see....the work he is doing and you rejoice. It overcomes the sorrow and fears. You know GOD is with you...his presence is known.

Behold, we count them happy with endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the LORD; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
James 5:11

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that, ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:14-15