Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Father’s Day

June 18, 2006

IN RETROSPECT

Today is the seventh anniversary of my stroke, which occurred in 1999.

In looking back over the past seven years, I’ve asked myself this question: What have I learned in this period of time? Out of the many lessons I’ve learned, I’ve selected the following to share with you on this Father’s Day 2006:

1. I’ve learned that we can take nothing for granted. God works on His schedule – not on ours. I had planned ahead for the remainder of the year. We had plane tickets for Washington State to visit with our daughter and family. We also had plane tickets for National Conference in Indiana. Eva and I were eagerly looking forward to both. However, God had other plans for us. “Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:11

2 I’ve also learned that no one is indispensable. We can be replaced in a heartbeat. I had been training Pastor Dale, who at that time was associate pastor. When I was hospitalized, he stepped right into the pastorate. The rest is history.

3. I’ve learned that friends are of inestimable value. The folks at CGBC Long Beach supported me through those months in the convalescent hospital. Furthermore, you have continued to support me personally, spiritually and financially through the past seven years. IT’S GREAT TO HAVE FRIENDS LIKE YOU. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

4. I’ve learned that God does what man cannot do. When I was first hospitalized I was completely paralyzed. One of my doctors told the family that if I survived I would never get out of bed and most probably would be a vegetable for the rest of my life. When Pastor Dale heard that, his response was, “have they factored God into the equation?” For a long time I was able to move just one of my toes. But through the work of two extra special physical therapists and my family, especially Betty Ann who came in regularly and gave me personal physical therapy, my body slowly began to awake.

At first I wasn’t able to eat and was fed intravenously. Now I am able to eat all too well! I was unable to talk for quite awhile and when I did regain my speech, it was very garbled. From months I was walking with a walker with a helper alongside and had to have a gait belt in order to stand. When I was released to come home, two therapists came for about two months. Thank God for Bill Wales and Pastor Dale who came to our home once each week to help me walk.

Well, the rest is history. I continue to improve. I’m able to walk one to two miles each day with the help of just a cane. However, I still have trouble standing and talking. God has enabled me to write over 330 Pen Pulpits, which Ken Victor has put on our web site. Who was responsible in bringing me this far? GOD CAN DO WHAT MAN CANNOT DO! “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20

But most of all I’ve learned to appreciate the grace of God in my life and in the life of my family. My wonderful wife contributed much to my recovery. She’s had to put up with me for seven years, which I’m sure has required an extra helping of Grace! “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9

I’m looking forward in continuing here at CGBC Long Beach as long as the Lord allows me to serve. It’s a real joy serving with Pastor Dale and the elders as well as each one of you. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

     Until next week, God bless and have a wonderful Father’s Day!