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Verse:So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. —1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT
Despite life’s difficult times—early childhood molestation, my three-year-old Sonny with a brain injury, and my hospitalization for a much-needed emotional “time-out”—I have always sensed God’s presence with me. He has always kept His glow in my heart. He also assured me that He had a work for my child, Sonny, to do for Him, and this gave me additional peace.
Sonny began to talk at age twelve. In a sense, he has become our local community’s ambassador of love and singing “evangelist,” though he will always require a 24-7 caregiver. His vocabulary is severely limited, so most often, he speaks in “Sonny language.” It’s open to interpretation! Yet his heart also glows with love for Jesus and a desire to witness for Him in his own unique ways.
Furthermore, out of life’s setbacks and challenges has emerged a writing ministry through the years, which has allowed me to witness to people from many walks of life. I like to say that every story I have written represents the “grade” of life that I was in at the time of the writing. Some “grades” are more difficult than others.
In January 2018, for example, I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. Those who deal with unbearable pain can feel as if life is draining out of them. Five months after my osteoarthritis diagnosis, I was anointed by Pastor Dan and was so grateful, despite an MRI the following month that revealed my need for back and hip replacement surgeries.
In Romans 8, Paul asked, “Does it mean [God] no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity?” (verse 35, NLT). He answers His own question with words that always bring a glow to my heart: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (verse 38).
Therefore, as I used to sing “This Little Light of Mine” to Sonny as a baby, I have not lost my resolve to have a heart that glows for Jesus. He is coming soon to take His family to their new home in Paradise. “Please come quickly, Lord Jesus” is my daily prayer. Forever amen!
Deborah Sanders with Lila Bailey Romp