10/06/2007

We serve a God who excels in improbabilities. For example:

What are the chances that a man walks the plank in the middle of the ocean, during a storm, and is happened upon by an unusually large fish who prefers to swallow his prey whole? Then, the man is housed for several days by this fish. A bad case of stomach flu results in the reappearance of our carp-abiding friend. Likelihood? Not very good.

Fire is called down from heaven to light a water-drenched altar. Yeah, right.

Lazarus, definitely pronounced dead, would be raised to life again. Highly unlikely.

Some dirt from the ground + spit = a cure for blindness. I wouldn't stake MY eyesight on it.

A little boy brings a couple of salmon and a few loafs of french bread. What are the chances that his fare would feed a hungry multitude on a hillside and leave leftovers? Not a chance.

But, "with God all things are possible." And, from the looks of it, God kind of likes to step in just when, humanly speaking, "it can't be done." So, today, this is my encouragement for Kyle. Maybe it will encourage others, too.

Kyle is on medical hold until next week Tuesday. Because he has a history of growth hormone deficiency, the medical staff is concerned that he may have a weakened bone structure. The doctor Kyle spoke with most recently gave him an improbability:

10% chance that Kyle will be allowed to remain in special operations.

I have two thoughts. The first is: don't give up hope based on a statistic. God has never been bound by them. Jonah thought he was a dead man. Lazarus WAS a dead man. Didn't matter.

Secondly, isn't it encouraging when God steps into the midst of our circumstances and says, "You leave this to me." From where I'm sitting, I understand the discomfort that comes when we feel that suddenly we aren't in control. However, I also feel comfort knowing that the human ability to make a bad decision has been eliminated: at least on your part, Kyle. You literally have no part in making this decision. It is not a reflection of your attitude, performance, drive, or character. In some ways, this is an 'ideal predicament.'

Yesterday, in the car with my kids, I was praying for you, Kyle. As is often the case, my prayer turned to song. Here are some of words I sang:

"This is no time for fear. This is a time for faith and determination.
Don't lose the vision here, carried away by the motion.
Hold onto all that you hide in your heart. There is one thing that has always been true.
It will be true forever.

God is in control. We believe that his children will not be forsaken.
God is in control. We will choose to remember and never be shaken.
There is no power above or beside Him, we know, (oh) God is in control."

"...if there had never been a battle, how would I know the victory?
How would I know You could be faithful to meet all of my needs?
Lord, I appreciate the hard times. Otherwise, how would I know?"

"Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
And I will seek You in the morning. And I will learn to walk in Your ways.
And step by step You lead me, and I will follow You all of my days."

And lastly, a song Rich Mullins wrote for his son, Aiden. Kyle, you might not remember this, but at my High School Graduation Open House, I wrote a letter to you and included to words to this song. It was my prayer for you then. It is my prayer for you now. It is the prayer I pray for my children.

"Let mercy lead. Let love be the strength in your legs,
And in every footprint that you leave there will be a drop of grace.
If we can reach beyond the wisdom of this age into the foolishness of God that foolishness will save.
Those who believe, although their foolish hearts may break, they will find peace.
And I'll meet you in that place where mercy leads."

I know it's cliche, but I'm praying "God's best" for you life, Kyle. I love you and am immensely proud of you!