God's Presence, Grace & Strength

I wanted to share a couple of stories about God's presence, grace and strength.


These past few weeks have been very trying for a close friend of mine. Her husband had to be rushed to the hospital. He had an appendicitis. Though this surgery is routinely done it doesn't mean it is not without risk. After he was released instead of improving he got worse. It had turned out that an infection had set in causing high fevers, chills, weakness and pale skin. He was in a terrible state. Along with the stressfulness of this situation those hospital bills where piling up. She has become his caretaker for the last few weeks. She has had to balance being with her husband and taking care of her 2 kids. One would think that with all of this mounted upon her shoulders, she would collapse and crumble. But the complete opposite is true. She stayed strong, optimistic and encouraged. We held them up in prayer and did what we could. She held on to the Lord and he granted her the grace and strength to face this trial. You could truly see God's presence in her life and her families. Currently her husband is at home getting better with each day. God has blessed them and showed them His love for them.


A year ago, thanksgiving, a friend's son (her only child) was a victim of a hit and run. He has been in a coma since last thanksgiving. The doctors did not expect him to survive as long as he has and are amazed by the way he has been healing. My friend has had to deal with many people, many papers and many things that she just has never done. She has superseded her own thought limitations and has been strong and courageous. She gives all the credit to God. She has clung to this bible verse:

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever." Ephesians 3:20-21

The Lord has given her exceedingly, abundantly and above the grace, strength, courage and peace she has needed. During this time she shares her story and takes the opportunity to share Jesus all to His glory. Even though her son is still in a coma one year later; she still holds on to the hope that God has given her. 

In both of my friends' life God has shown Himself faithful and present. He provides all that we need and exactly when we need it. Their stories have truly shown me God's presence, grace and strength.