What Are You Made Of

What Are You Made Of?

By Camille Porter

Often times, when we hear of tragedies that happen to other people, we ask ourselves--"How would I handle that? How could I make it through something like that?" I found out first hand last November.

I am Camille Porter, a stay-at-home Mom of 3 young children, whom some of you were praying for at that time. THANK YOU!!! We are truly blessed by a huge family of Christians, due to others' lovingkindness and this internet!

At age 30, I heard from the Intensive Care Neurosurgeon that I had better get everything in order because if I had any complications, I wouldn't survive. Most people who had what I did, a ruptured brain aneurysm, didn't even survive this long and I was facing a very life threatening brain surgery.

To relax, during my first tests in the ER, I tried deep breathing and meditation. During this, Psalms 23 came to my mind. Reciting scripture was very soothing and peaceful for me as it was a nervous time. Little did I know how MEANINGFUL this small set of verses would become to me later that night and next few days:

'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.' (Psalm 23:1-4)

What I didn't realize was that I would be told later that night that my life could possibly be over very soon.

I believe that God recalled his Word that was already planted in my heart to give me peace:

'Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee' (Psalm 119:11)

"Wait for the Lord; Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart. Yes, wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

God's plan doesn't always fit with the plans that we've made for our lives.

'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.' (Isaiah 55:8)

We may not understand what has happened................

.................or the why of it either,

..........but putting our trust in God

..............is the key to enduring it.

'But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord. ... My times are in Your hand.' (Psalm 31:14)

True inner strength comes from God, not ourselves.

'The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I shall praise Him.' (Psalm 28:7)

'Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him and He will do it. .....Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.' (Psalm 37:5 & 7)

Gods Word will not return empty without accomplishing what He desires and without succeeding in the matter for which He sent it.' (Isaiah 55:11)

We can fully believe that God is FAITHFUL to us.

'God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, ...but will also make the way of escape so that you will be able to bear it.''.(I Cor.10:13)

'God is faithful, who keeps his covenants and His lovingkindness to those who love Him and Keep His commandments.' (Deuteronomy 7:9)

God has never promised an easy path,......

.......only that He will always be with us,

.......to help us bear our load.

We have the assurance that we are never handling something that is greater than Him.

9/30/04

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