Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted by the new "head" of Friday Fiction, Karlene at Homespun Expressions. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Karlene's blog and check out the links there.
Most of you know I am working on polishing up my non-fiction work in progress "Ailing Body Nourished Soul," the story of God's workings in our lives through my husband's serious health issues. So, even though it's not fiction, I'm posting an excerpt today. I've only posted my intro and third chapter so far - and now, I'm sharing the concluding chapter(just hoping I can get the rest of the book as compelling as I've gotten these parts. Hope it blesses you - and I'd LOVE any feedback you can give me!
Ailing Body Nourished Soul- Concluding Chapter
On Monday, August 7, 2003, my life was pretty normal: I dare say average. Sure, I was pregnant and had a toddler and a husband, but that's not so unusual, is it? At the time, I probably would have told you my faith was strong and my life was good.
Even the next day, when Marc started experiencing his migraines, I never could have imagined what was in store for us over the next few days, not to mention years. Who would ever imagine that a bad headache would lead to the surgeries, treatments, and other circumstances that we would experience in the days, months, and years to follow?
For me, my family, and our friends and acquaintances, my 36-year-old husband having a brain tumor was a total shock. It completely changed our lives.
But it didn't shock our Heavenly Father. And though we, and our lives, changed, He, and His plan, did not. God knew from eternity past what, when, and how this would happen. And, as I hope you have seen in the preceding pages, He equipped us, and those around us, for what we were to face: for what we continue to face daily. And, of course, He provided Himself, the Holy Spirit, and His incredible Son to lean on, cry with, rejoice with, trust in, and love.
And it all worked out, and is working out, for good. God promises in His word: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Yet, Christians often throw this verse around but don't know what it truly means. Many who look at our lives now and compare it to before life got tough might ask how what we have now can possibly be called "good." We're living off disability payments. My husband is still going through many of the health issues he's had. Neither of us is working. A lot of "normal" things are tough for us.
But the good spoken of in this verse is not what you might think. Though a lot of Christians know verse 28, not many know what follows it.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (emphasis mine)
So the "good" God promises is the ultimate good - being conformed to the likeness of Christ. All things work out to make His people more like Christ. And that, no doubt, was certainly accomplished in Marc and me, and continues to happen. And, God willing, perhaps reading about His work in our lives will help to do the same for you.
I hope that our struggles, joys, sorrows, celebrations, and disappointments have encouraged you and helped you see, perhaps, that you are not alone in your own difficulties.
I pray that my questions have helped you see our story, and the lessons I've shared, as not just interesting tidbits, but as real-life instruction you can use to help you in the struggles you go through.
And, I hope that at least some of my prayers have become your prayers, and that, through seeing how the Lord has drawn us closer to Him through our difficulties, you too are drawing close to him, and allowing Him to nourish your soul, no matter how much your body may be failing. For that is what Our Father does best.
For all of our bodies are ailing. Whether we have a diagnosed disease or not, because we are human we are getting older every minute, and the amazing machine of the human body is breaking down, cell by cell. The bodies we have now are not perfect. They harbor sin, disease and the selfishness of our own natures. Until we get our glorified bodies in heaven, this will always be the case.
But our souls are a different matter. With God's power, they can be nourished and made more and more like Him. When we allow God, in His triune form, to work within us, we can have that supernatural peace that comes with a "healthy" soul, no matter the state of our earthy frame.
And that is the kind of peace that can change lives. It did for us, and God can do it for you too.
The End
**
Even the next day, when Marc started experiencing his migraines, I never could have imagined what was in store for us over the next few days, not to mention years. Who would ever imagine that a bad headache would lead to the surgeries, treatments, and other circumstances that we would experience in the days, months, and years to follow?
For me, my family, and our friends and acquaintances, my 36-year-old husband having a brain tumor was a total shock. It completely changed our lives.
But it didn't shock our Heavenly Father. And though we, and our lives, changed, He, and His plan, did not. God knew from eternity past what, when, and how this would happen. And, as I hope you have seen in the preceding pages, He equipped us, and those around us, for what we were to face: for what we continue to face daily. And, of course, He provided Himself, the Holy Spirit, and His incredible Son to lean on, cry with, rejoice with, trust in, and love.
And it all worked out, and is working out, for good. God promises in His word: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Yet, Christians often throw this verse around but don't know what it truly means. Many who look at our lives now and compare it to before life got tough might ask how what we have now can possibly be called "good." We're living off disability payments. My husband is still going through many of the health issues he's had. Neither of us is working. A lot of "normal" things are tough for us.
But the good spoken of in this verse is not what you might think. Though a lot of Christians know verse 28, not many know what follows it.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (emphasis mine)
So the "good" God promises is the ultimate good - being conformed to the likeness of Christ. All things work out to make His people more like Christ. And that, no doubt, was certainly accomplished in Marc and me, and continues to happen. And, God willing, perhaps reading about His work in our lives will help to do the same for you.
I hope that our struggles, joys, sorrows, celebrations, and disappointments have encouraged you and helped you see, perhaps, that you are not alone in your own difficulties.
I pray that my questions have helped you see our story, and the lessons I've shared, as not just interesting tidbits, but as real-life instruction you can use to help you in the struggles you go through.
And, I hope that at least some of my prayers have become your prayers, and that, through seeing how the Lord has drawn us closer to Him through our difficulties, you too are drawing close to him, and allowing Him to nourish your soul, no matter how much your body may be failing. For that is what Our Father does best.
For all of our bodies are ailing. Whether we have a diagnosed disease or not, because we are human we are getting older every minute, and the amazing machine of the human body is breaking down, cell by cell. The bodies we have now are not perfect. They harbor sin, disease and the selfishness of our own natures. Until we get our glorified bodies in heaven, this will always be the case.
But our souls are a different matter. With God's power, they can be nourished and made more and more like Him. When we allow God, in His triune form, to work within us, we can have that supernatural peace that comes with a "healthy" soul, no matter the state of our earthy frame.
And that is the kind of peace that can change lives. It did for us, and God can do it for you too.
The End
**
Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Karlene's blog for more great fiction(and maybe some other non-fiction LOL who knows?)
Oh Jo... This was beautiful, a real clear glimpse into your AMAZING heart for God. May He be glorified for sure girl! Sniff, sniff, I'm going to need a serious amount of kleenex for this book, but can't wait to get my hands on in.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the finished product, JO!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, powerful writing. This book is going to be great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jo. . . beautiful. Your heart shines through every word. I second Diana's statement, "May He be glorified for sure girl!"
ReplyDeleteThis is sure to touch many lives. You are such an encourager, even in the midst of your storm! Blessings, dear Joanne!
ReplyDeleteGod certainly doesn't promise that our lives on this temporary planet will always be wonderful - but He does promise to always be with us and to refine us as it pleases Him. I think this is going to be a great book, Jo!
ReplyDeleteJo...I can NOT wait until I get to read this intire work. It will bless so many lives, including mine.
ReplyDeleteGetting to know you at the conference back in August then reading this...WOW! HE is truly amazing and is doing a great work in you and your family.
(((Hugs)))
It blessed me and heightens my anticipation for the rest of the story. Love you, friend. Thank you for sharing your story with us; may God preserve its witness for generations to come.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
{{{{{{{{{ Hugs }}}}}}}}}}}}
ReplyDeleteEager to read the book!
To God be the Glory!
Sunny
I feel so encouraged reading this small fraction of your book so I know it will change lives!
ReplyDeleteI am in tears, Joanne. This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear/read tonight. I've been a mess for the past few days and this reminds me of the true purpose of this life. That I might know Him...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.