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Moments Together for Couples 3/22
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
In 1993, our family was at the FamilyLife Parenting Conference in Dallas when we realized something was seriously wrong with our son's leg. Samuel, then 16, was our most athletic offspring. As a kid he never walked anywhere-he would sprint to the car, slide around corners in the house, jump to touch the top of every door facing, imitating Michael Jordan doing a slam dunk. But there in Dallas, Samuel couldn't keep up as we raced through the airport to catch our plane. Later, the neurologist gave us the news: Samuel had muscular dystrophy (MD).
Since then, the reality of Samuel's physical limitations has descended on us in daily installments: falls down the stairs, jars of jam he couldn't open, braces on his legs, the painful time he tried without success to water-ski like his sisters and brother.
Frankly, I am still learning how to "give thanks" in all this. I know the passage doesn't mean that we must give thanks specifically for Samuel's MD, as though God sent it. But since God has all authority in heaven and in earth, He did allow it to happen. So we are trying to learn to be thankful in the situation over which God is sovereign.
Samuel himself has helped. Only a few hours after the doctor's diagnosis, we realized the disease had not robbed Samuel of his great sense of humor. He responded to the announcement with a big grin, and said, "Hey-this means I'll always get to park in the handicapped space!"
I think this is more than just cracking a joke to conceal pain. It indicates the way God is enabling our whole family to live through a family tragedy against all odds. Sometimes I find myself giving thanks merely out of obedience and faith, reminding me that faith isn't just a feeling.
And what is the Christian life about if it's not growing in faith and obedience? Giving "thanks in all things" is a test of faith.
That God will put a smile on your lips and joy in your heart despite circumstances that may test your faith.
Discuss: What events in your own family have tested your faith? Did these events eventually spur certain areas of growth or other blessings for which you can now give thanks?
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