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    by Michelle Brinson

The "Good News" and the not so good news
Date Posted: August 1, 2007
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Mark 1:15 NIV

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 NIV

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 NIV

I had the most amazing experience last night. A dear precious friend of mine is leading a mission team to Kenya in January. Oh how I wish I were going with them, but the Lord has said now is not the time for me to go. I've been several times before and have a great love for the people of Kenya and of Africa in general. The Holy Spirit is at work there unlike anywhere else in the world. Grace is falling like rain over that area. It's falling on everyone and it is simply unbelievable. People are accepting Jesus in huge numbers.

Last night my friend was unable to lead her mission team meeting in preparation for the work they will be doing and asked if I could fill in for her. Oh what a wonderful and blessed experience I had last night. My love for those this group shall meet just rose up in me and all my nervousness went away. We had an incredible time of praising God and talking about the plans God has for this team.

One of the themes God laid on my heart to share with the team was the spiritual warfare that often arises especially in times of great work - like the work they will be doing. Over the last several years, as I too have prepared for overseas missions, I've come under attack by this crafty enemy we face. The first time, I was totally caught off guard. As I shared with the group last night, it started with nightmares. I hadn't experienced those in years and yet within weeks of leaving for our trip, I was plagued by them. Thankfully my team leader, who was so much more mature in his walk with the Lord, recognized the signs, and asked several members of our team to pray over me. Instantly, the nightmares stopped.

My faith increased greatly that day. I saw the power of prayer. But I also saw the struggles that can come with following Christ. The good news however, was knowing that Jesus overcame the world. And that same power that was in Him now lives in me.

Wow!

Today, I experienced a low that came in sharp contrast to the exhilaration I felt last night. I just learned I will have to undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff (my right shoulder). I've been having trouble with my shoulder for the last 11 months. It's been a very long road. It started on September 11 of last year. Seems so bizarre that this would happen on a day that lives in so much infamy in America now. I had gotten married to an amazing man just two days prior and we were starting the first day of our honeymoon.

As we decided to catch the sunset from the view of a hammock outside our room - we had no idea this hammock was not up to par - and within 5 minutes of lying there, it broke. My husband and I crashed to the ground - a concrete surface, gently covered by sand. My husband was able to catch his fall, but I was not so lucky. I hit my back on the concrete and my shoulder on the wooden frame of the hammock.

Here we are almost 11 months later and on to the 5th doctor - who has finally diagnosed the problem. My rotator cuff is completely torn. I will need surgery in order to repair it.

Over the last 11 months, however, I've had x-rays, MRIs, injections, pain pills, physical therapy, heat packs, ice packs, ultrasounds. If they do it, then they've probably done it to me. And my shoulder has continued to get worse. It's gotten to the point, that falling asleep is a challenge.

While I'm glad to have the diagnosis, I'm also not looking forward to the surgery or the recuperation. It's going to require I have my arm/shoulder in an immobilizer for 6 weeks. I can't drive for 3 weeks. There will be pain. There will be inconvenience - for me, for my husband, and for my employer. I think that's one of the things I dread the most... not being able to do things for myself that I would ordinarily do - like pour myself a glass of water. I will have to ask others for help. It's not something I'm comfortable doing.

And on top of that, you'd be amazed at the number of people who've made comments about this happening on my honeymoon. Almost as if to say we are cursed. (Some people can be insensitive - love them anyway.)

Well I know a couple of things for sure... my God is bigger than anything that could ever happen to me. And if the past is any indication - whenever God's about to do something big and incredible through one of His children, the enemy comes out fighting. So if that's the case, I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and my husband. The enemy is after us - but it's just a reminder to praise God all the more. I know whatever He's up to - it's going to be good.

So the good news is -- Jesus!

And the not so good news is -- there will be trouble. Not "if" - but "when."

But the good news still is Jesus. He's already overcome the trouble. And in His power, we can too!
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Biography Information:
Michelle Sanders Brinson makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband Andrey, their son Jadon and their dog Rudy.

Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.

Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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