The following is an excerpt from Chuck’s October newsletter (you can read the full newsletter or catch up on previous newsletters here)
Faith, serving our children in Kenya and a stroke…what do they have in common? I am sorry this newsletter is so late, but I have been a little out of it the last two weeks. I had three strokes in a period of 7 days…the strokes were minor and I am now feeling fine. The reason I am telling you this is to remind you we must understand that God uses all things for His glory and our good. You would think most people would not see a stroke as “good”, but this is not the case. What has happened over this period is my faith has increased once again, Tammy and I have been given more affirmation of what we have been called to do, and the Lord has pointed out through circumstances and friends an area of my life that has to be worked on over the next six months before we move to Kenya. If we are simply asking the Lord to be in His will each day and to use us for His glory and purpose, we have to have faith that these things which we see as “bad” are for His glory and our good. We must give thanks that our Lord loves us so much to do whatever it takes to allow us to serve Him fully. Don’t despair; He has overcome the world…our purpose, rest and salvation is found in Him.
For me it was a stressful time, but also a time to remember God’s goodness, love and faithfulness in my life. When I was feeling a bit stressed or anxious He would remind me to meditate on His word and I could do that because over the past six weeks we have had memory verses at church. Normally I am not very good at memorizing but for some reason (and I believe it was God preparing me for such a time as this) I was able to memorize the verses and remember them weeks later!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives… James 4:2-3
I encourage you to memorize His word. For me it not only uplifts but shows me God’s character and He tells me to remember His promises:
I have hidden your word in my heart… Psalm 119:11
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:6
Thank you for all your prayers and praise God Chuck is doing well and the Lord continues to guide us and Saved By God’s Grace.