Have you ever noticed how the Lord speaks to us in all kinds of amazing ways? One of the most fascinating to me, though, is how he can communicate with us through the heavens if we but look up and listen with our eyes.

Back in October 2017 My brother Ron was hospitalized with complications from lung cancer.    Late one afternoon on my way to visit him in Rutherford Hospital—a two-hour drive from my home—I was praying for him and his family as I drove along.  A storm was brewing, and the sky was filled with clouds.  In the distance were the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The wind was blowing hard, but just above me was an opening in the clouds.  It seemed as if I could see through the gaping hole into the throne room of God.   As I stared at the glorious skies—very much like the picture* above–the Lord seemed to be reassuring me that while storms come and go, He is in control and that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to his purposes. (Romans 8:28)

When I arrived at the hospital, I was relieved to learn that Ron was doing better and was thrilled when several days later he took his first walk down the hall—a sure sign that the Lord had answered our prayers.

Five months passed, and we received a phone call that Ron was back in the ER and was being admitted—this time for pneumonia.  Things were not going well.   My son Joe, his wife Heather, and I set out for the same hospital, not knowing what we would find.

It was Palm Sunday and we had just celebrated communion at our church in preparation for the upcoming Easter Sunday services. Our spirits were both high and low.  High, because we had commemorated Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and the assurance that faith in Him brings forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Low because Ron had been struggling for months with chemotherapy and radiation, and it seemed he would take one step forward and then fall back two.   Today he had fallen back.

To my amazement, a glance into the heavens once again brought comfort and encouragement as I spotted a cross in the distance.  It was as if the Holy Spirit were visually sharing with us that He is our Savior—the Divine Physician–the One who ultimately heals us of all diseases.    Though we will have sickness and problems here in this world, He is our source of peace and joy amid the chaos.  We can rejoice that one day we will pass through the portals of heaven and spend eternity with him, free of pain and distress–whole again with new bodies just right for our new home!  A favorite psalm came to mind as we pulled into the parking lot:

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4 NLT)

After that glorious Sunday, Ron rallied and went home.

I  spoke to him this morning, and he was in good spirits.  Though he continues to lose weight and the doctors are uncertain what his next treatment will be, he is still at home and continues to be his old self–full of good humor in spite of his situation.  Only the Lord could provide such a positive attitude!  (Please lift him up in prayer, faithful Prayer Warriors.)

What about you?  Does God speak to you in unusual, mysterious ways?  If so, feel free to comment below and share your experience, strength, and hope with others.

I would love to hear from you!

p.s.  I have been slow to publish this particular post.  For some reason, I seemed to have “writer’s block” about it.

In my devotional time this morning, I asked the Lord to remove this block, and He did so instantly in a most powerful way!  Within seconds of my prayer, I picked up Joni Eareckson Tada’s book, Pearls of Great Price, and the meditation for today was based on Psalm 19!  My block was shattered!  I could hardly wait to sit down and publish!  Our God is so full of surprises!  As I said, He speaks to us in all kinds of ways!  Our job is to listen and obey and acknowledge that His timing is perfect!

 

 

*(Pictures are compliments of Pixabay and All Created but reflect very closely my own heavenly sightings.)