Friday Coffee with PJ

Here we are ... the first Friday of a new year! And as I write this post - and I admit to a late start as I usually write this on Thursday but due to the short week did not get to it until this morning - I am already on my 3rd cup of coffee. So pour yourself a cup and join me for a couple of random thoughts which I hope will help you in your journey of faith. 

Last night as I led our Life Group, I asked each one to share something from 2018 which showed God at work in their lives. Since I had already been thinking about this, I offered up first. 

When I had spent time thinking about what I would say earlier in the day, it hit me pretty quickly as to what I would be sharing. For some of you who read my blogs on a regular or semi-regular basis, you will know that I have been battling a kidney related issue for the past couple of years. After several surgical procedures and a number of tests in the first months of 2018, I received a phone call from my urologist in early June. He informed me that the one kidney which had been the object of the surgeries and tests was no longer functioning. He could not explain why that was the case. In his words, "numbers don't lie and the numbers from your recent renal scan shows that the kidney is no longer functioning." 

As I allowed his words to rattle around in my head, I recall feeling an incredible sense of peace. Yes, I was disappointed in his report. But I was not freaking out. As I reflect on my response, I give the credit to God's Spirit giving me a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). As a result of walking through the difficult situations my wife and I have been health-wise across the past few years, God has taught me again and again that I can trust him. And so, at the moment I received my urologist's call, I chose to continue to trust him. 

I can tell you that I have moved on and not looked back. I have not tried to second guess the path the urologist took in treating me. Nor have I questioned God as to why he allowed this to happen. Instead, each day I choose to trust him. After all, he is God and I am not! 

Due to my kidney issue, I have faced some life style changes. But I am OK with that (although I sure do miss a good old Reuben sandwich covered with sauerkraut!). God is sovereign. He has a plan for our world, for you, for me. And as he works his plan, I continue to ask him for the grace to trust him! I pray the same for you! 

Thanks for stopping by . . . 
pj