“screecher preacher”

Life is filled with uncertainty…this human life we live. This is something that many hear me say and talk about. Yet, I usually don’t stop with talking about the “uncertainty” of life, but that it leads me always to what is certain, and that is Christ in my life.

Over the past several years life has truly proven to be “uncertain”. And, if my eyes were only looking to what I could “tangibly” see and touch my foundation would have crumbled years ago.

As I think of that foundation I was reminded of a passage that I have often prayed for my friends. (Ephesians 3:14-21) As I reflected on it this evening, God brought two verses to my mind, and I sit here with tears as my eyes trace the words on the paper.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (20, 21)

Why would this section cause such emotion?

This past weekend has been one of those “immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine” weekends.

Let me share with you what I am talking about. On Friday Matt and I went out on a date, (thank you, Becky for watching our kids). We had to make a few stops for church items...that is just par for the course of ministry. Now I jokingly call our car the “screecher preacher” because we were in need of new brakes and everyone knew it…okay, everyone could hear it. This weekend happened to be the Annual Geneva Grape Jamboree and Matt stopped downtown to see where our jump house and booth were to be set up. There was a lot of traffic and roads being closed as tents and booths were going up all over downtown. We saw John from church and asked if he knew where we were supposed to be and then it happened. "Klunk…klunk…” The “screecher preacher” lost it’s brake pad. So, now instead of "screeching...." we “hissed” down the road to our home and parked the car.

This was truly going to be an interesting and now challenging weekend. It just so happened to be Joshua’s last soccer game, award day, the Grape Jamboree and we were now without a vehicle. We were hoping the brakes would last until Monday because a friend offered to put new ones on for us. However, due to our adventurous date moment....I reserved a car via Enterprise for the next morning. When I called at 9am, Jason shared that he was the only one in the office and they would not be able to come to our house until after 10am, which meant Joshua would miss his final game. I called Matt and shared what we were looking at with time and cost...which is always a fun moment in anyones marriage, I don't care who you are....it just is. When I got off the phone I just sat with my face in my hands and talked with God. “Lord, you know where we are at, and what we need. I’m asking for a miracle because I have no idea what to do.” Two minutes later...I kid you not... Matt called and told me to cancel the car. He shared that Don was on his way and they were going to let us borrow their car until Monday. Joshua would make his final game and we did not have to find funds to pay for a rental. Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

You would think that was the end of my story…but it is not. As you all know, we have a son with Autism. Life and surroundings can and are very overwhelming for him. We are careful as to where we go and gear for what could happen. I always have a plan ready. Well, on Saturday, he along with his teammates rode on the church float…in the parade. That's right, hundreds of people…..no where to go when you are in the center of people with a child who has extreme sensory issues. He did amazing. No meltdowns and when it was time to leave he understood and stuck with the plan.

Sunday arrived. I had no plan to have him ride the float on Sunday…the really BUSY day of the Jamboree. We were going home after church and I was hoping to take a nap for the first time in years. However, just before my eyes closed…my phone rang. “Honey, I need you and the kids to come down and ride on the float.” Okay…this was not in my plan, and yet I found myself in the car, driving down Liberty, walking to Swan Road to the float. Here we were sitting on the float…going down the road, waving and smiling. Guess what? You guessed it, he did great. He was overwhelmed, but regulated himself to cope with what was happening! I was amazed and so proud of him!
Immeasurably more than all we ask and imagine.

I know Joshua will still have really hard days. I know that our car will screech again. I know we will face uncertainty, but one thing I am certain of is that my God can and does do immeasurably more than ALL I ask or could ever imagine! And to Him alone…I praise!

To end this I just want to share a quick story that just took place 10 minutes ago. Joshua watched a news story about a dog that was attacked by a shark, and how this little jack russel was recovering. He asked me what happened and I shared that he had been bitten by a shark. He looked at me and said, “Let’s pray for him.” Here are the words he spoke to God…His Lord that heals. Mind you, I did not in any way tell him what to say….

“Dear Jesus, please be with this puppy that was bit by a shark. Please heal him so he gets better. Jesus you like him, and I love you, Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen”

Immeasurably more than all we ask and imagine.