This weekend, Greg had the opportunity to share his medical story and
how it has affected his faith in God at our church during the Saturday
night and Sunday morning services. Despite being really sick with a
cold (this is his first time getting a "regular" sickness since his
transplant and it's strange to see how much worse something like a
cold is to someone on immunosuppressants), he was able to go ahead
with his messages. We are thankful for everyone who prayed for him to
have a strong voice and to be able to get through both services
without any coughing fits up front!
To be honest, I was dreading him speaking a bit. Not because I didn't
want him to, but because it is always scary to be vulnerable and to be
known. It feels safer sometimes to be anonymous - I like going places
where people don't know my struggles with depression and anxiety, and
don't wonder how I'm working through my doubts and fears. And the
idea of our story being out in the open to even more people scared me.
But, I know that God gave us this story for a purpose and that it
would be selfish to hide behind anonymity when He might be able to use
something from our story for His glory. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians
12:8-10, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is
why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in
hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then
I am strong". I can only guess what Paul was asking God to take away
from him, but I've certainly pleaded for Him to take all of this away
from us many times - and He keeps pointing me back to these verses and
reminding me to bring my weaknesses out into the open so that others
can see His strength.
All that being said, here is the link for Greg's message. It has some
descriptions of medical procedures that might be too graphic for
little ears, so please use discretion. I hope that you see God
shining through our weaknesses and our story.
http://www.barcroft.org/sermon-podcast (message title Adventures and
Wanderings)
Love,
Elise
I was there on Sunday and I just wanted to thank both Greg and Elise. It must have been really hard to share something like that in a room of strangers (like me) but I really appreciated the message.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting Greg's message. I went to high school with Greg and have been praying for all of you. Just being able to hear his voice and know he's overcome so much brought tears to my eyes. I've shared this message with several families at my church and friends who've also been praying. Thank you for your truth and honesty. One of my favorite quotes is
ReplyDelete"When God send darks valleys
Hi light shines through our faith
When mountains block our paths
God grants us climbing grace
When problems break our hearts
His spirit bids us sing
When God tells us to soar
He always gives us wings"
~Perry Tanksley
I definitely think God gave you a special set of wings to share all you've been thru. Thank you for being real in sharing even the hardest parts of your story. God Bless!
~Nicole (Senn) Richards
Hello! Are you an often online visitor or maybe you are for face to face communication?
ReplyDeleteIs there a link still available to listen to this sermon. I remember how impactful it was the first time I heard it and I would love to hear it again.
ReplyDelete