Essentials of the Faith - Pt 12

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV).

It couldn’t be better timing in this series for today to be my oldest son’s birthday. Kyle is forty-four today. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. Of course it is significant simply because it is his birthday; however, it is also had great impact on my understanding of God’s hand over my life. Without belaboring the story, let me simply say that there were a great many lessons learned. When Mary and I learned she was pregnant, I began to pray for the baby and her. I prayed for their health, an easy birth, wisdom to do what would be good and right for our expanding family, and every detail of who this child would be. After all, Jesus told us to ask. I asked. I asked for even the simplest of details. I wanted the first child to be a male, even to the point of describing all of his physical characteristics. We had his name picked long before he was born. “Kyle” came from the namesake of the football field at A&M. Before you become too judgmental, I did promise God to give my other children Biblical names (insert a good laugh here). Well, it was a tumultuous nine months, but the day finally arrived. We did not know the gender. This was before the ability to safely and easily determine that. However, I simply knew that God would give me what I requested. You can imagine my surprise when just before he was born, the nurse attending Mary said, “You are having a beautiful baby girl.” I was ushered out to wait for the final birth. While waiting in the empty room, somewhat darkened to conserve energy, I began to pray again. This time I was praying for God’s will to be done in my life. If indeed our first child was to be a girl, I needed Him to reset my mind and work in my life to assure she would be all that God wanted her to be. I learned the destination always belongs to the prerogative of God. A bit after that prayer, I was informed of the birth. Mary was fine. And, our son was also well! Everything is the work of God. The roll of the dice, the fall of a bird, the crawl of a worm, the movement of stars, the falling of snow, the blowing of wind, the loss of sight, the suffering of saints, and the death of all, these are included in the word of God: “I will accomplish all my purpose” from the smallest of things to the greatest. However, we are not without power. Because Jesus has overcome the world, sin and death no longer hold any power over us. Now we can “take heart”! So often we chafe at the thought of God being in control; however, who else has the power or desire to work it for our good! Happy Birthday, Kyle! I am grateful for every lesson God has taught me through your life and know you are just what He determined was best!