"The captive Hebrew singers sat beside the rivers of Babylon and wept as they remembered how life had been in their homeland. Their enemies tormented them, demanding that they sing happy songs of Zion. But the Hebrews were so discouraged that they ceased singing and hung their harps on a willow tree.
I awakened on a Sunday morning eagerly looking forward to being in the house of the Lord. Instead I was taken to the local hospital. My good health was shattered overnight. A CAT scan had revealed a brain tumor, and I became a captive in a strange land. I ceased singing my songs of praise and "hung up my harp."
Early the next morning, a young couple visited me. Joseph prayed. Janet read a letter of praise and encouragement that I had written to her six years earlier when she faced the decision of whether or not to have an abortion to save her life. (She chose to trust God and delivered a perfect baby boy!)
I was sent home for 30 days and then went back for more tests to determine the prognosis. The CAT scan indicated that the tumor was half the original size and was no longer a problem. The new diagnosis was multiple sclerosis.
Once again I was tempted to stifle my song, that is, until I discovered El Shaddai, the All-sufficient One (Jesus), who is always with us.
You will not find my harp on any willow tree. It is accompanying my songs of praise - I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; . . . When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted (Psalm 138: 1, 3)." R. LUCAS
* See associated post dated 27/11/2010 - Eternity!
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