Hope For Those Who Hurt, by Howard and Jeanne Tomlinson
NEVER ALONE
Have you ever felt lonely and vulnerable at a time of great need? We did, until God reminded usin a special way that we are never truly alone.
On Friday, October 24, 1997, Howie and I rushed to Huntington Hospital following a mini-strokewhich affected his left arm and hand. Dr. Beatrice Engstrand, his neurologist, was on vacation,and Howie's folks were in Brazil on a tour. His aunt and uncle were out of town and his brotherCliff were returning from a pastor's conference. Our normal support system was gone, so we hadno choice but to lean on God alone.
God immediately raised up the support we needed. Pastor Steve came to the hospital as soon ashe heard Howie was in the emergency room. The next day, Pastor Rich and several churchfriends came by to visit. Noticing that Howie's left arm and hand were weak, they lifted him upbefore the throne of grace in prayer.
As the paramedics got ready to transfer Howie by ambulance to North Shore University Hospital,our friend Joyce showed up and gave him a Danish roll to eat on the way. As I followed in ourcar, I turned on Christian radio and heard the song "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" by IraStanphill. Tears were streaming down my face as I listened to these words: "Many things abouttomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holdsmy hand." God has holding Howie's hand, and I thanked Him for what He had done for us in thepast and what He was going to do now.
As the paramedics brought Howie into his room, several relatives of his hospital roommate werestanding around. One of them, a young man named Elliot, thought to himself as he saw Howie,"This guy is eating a Danish as he's being wheeled in!" Elliot didn't realize it al the time, but hewould soon be playing a vital roll in Howie's recovery.
Over the next couple of days, Howie had several more visitors. Even though his left hand andarm were very weak, he felt calm and peaceful. He lightened the heavy atmosphere in his roomby quoting Scriptures and joking with our friends. Everyone was amazed at his attitude, includingthose who called and heard him say, "Hello, this is Howard. How may I help you?"
I spent the night before his surgery with Howie in his hospital room and we shed many tearstogether. God poured out His grace on us as we had a private prayer and praise time together .Before surgery on Monday morning, I followed along crying softly as Howie was being wheelingto the operating room. He quoted Isaiah 41:10- "Do not fear, for I am with you, do notanxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you,surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." That passage of Scripture gave us boththe courage we needed to face the critical hours ahead.
While Howie was in surgery, I sat in the waiting room with my Bible on my lap. As I had done inhis previous surgeries, I prayed Psalms to the Lord, inserting Howie's name in the verses andasking for the Lord's special touch of healing on his life. While sitting alone in that room; I didn'tfeel lonely for I sensed God's presence in a very real way: Later, our friend Joyce and Howie'sbrother Cliff came by to keep me company. Following surgery, Howie received several calls andvisitors, cards and emails, flowers and fruit baskets. He was still in the hospital on my birthday,so Joyce took me out to breakfast to celebrate and gave me a lovely gift. And four days after thesurgery; Cliff and Vickie brought Howie's folks to the hospital straight from the airport. Theyhad returned early from their trip to Brazil and rejoiced to see their son well on the way torecovery: After Howie returned home from the hospital, several friends from Bible Baptistbrought delicious meals.
We had felt lonely and vulnerable on the way to the emergency room the previous week, but nowwe felt secure and blessed knowing we had God' s presence and help, along with the love andsupport of many friends and relatives: We now have the assurance that we'll never be lonelyagain!
If you've placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you'll never have to face your burdens alone. TheLord has promised to always be there for you: "I will never desert you nor will I ever forsakeyou" (Hebrews 13:5). And He will put it on the hearts of His children to reach out touch youwhen you when you need them. You can feel great security knowing you'll never be lonely again.
(by Audrey Meier)
I'll never be lonely again, never again;
For I have opened my heart's door to Him.
So I'll brush away the tears and forget my foolish fears;
I'll never be lonely again, never again.
FOR THOSE WHO HURT: You may be feeling lonely and vulnerable right now as you're facingthe hardships of life. What you are feeling is a normal human emotion, but it is unnecessary.Look to Jesus and recall His Words: "...Lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the age"(Matthew 28:20). And don't be afraid to call out to others for support. When they know you'rehurting, many will gladly reach out to help and encourage you. You never need to feel lonelyagain as you travel the journey of life with the Lord and fellow believers by your side. That'swhat true fellowship is all about!
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