Suddenlys - Sandy Skartsiaris
At some point we all experience life defining moments that
shake us to the core and shape us by the choices we make. Some of those we don’t see building up and suddenly
we wake up to a reality and find we are in crisis.
Those bills piled up, you cannot pay and now you suddenly
face unbelievable challenges on how you will survive.
There was tension building and now suddenly you are facing a
broken relationship that may split your family in two.
You knew something wasn’t right. You, your spouse or a child are suddenly in a
medical crises that may end in saying goodbye for now.
The rumors of down-sizing end in a call to you and suddenly
your future is uncertain.
The baby you always wanted is born with a disability, health
or behavior problem and suddenly, your dream come true, becomes a daily
struggle.
I had one of those “suddenlys” on December 14, 2014. The head-on, high impact collision could have
killed me. The officer on the scene said, “I don’t know who you believe in but
you had angels or a higher power in that van, because you should not have
survived.” I’ve had countless injuries,
2 major surgeries and 6 months in bed but I stand here today claiming that,
that one moment changed my life AND is one of the best things that has ever
happened to me.
Out of my many lessons I learned, I want to focus on what I
call, “the miracle in the middle”.
For the most part, all of the “suddenly’s” I mentioned
started with things being generally good, exciting even. We start on the shore, full of hopes and
dreams. As we row out into deeper water
we still feel a bit invincible. As we
near the middle, the boat starts to rock and waves start to hit. We are in trouble. We start to lose faith. We try to keep rowing but mentally,
physically, emotionally and spiritually, we are tired. We want to give up. Jesus. Help.
Look at Matthew 14:22-33.
Where is Jesus?
Looking back, I did OK for the first month, 2 months, 3
months, 4 months….but as time dragged on, the pain and the surgeries started
getting old. I was “in the middle”. The meds were wearing off and I had to accept
that this was my reality and would be for much longer than I had hoped. At that moment, it became about perspective. It became a daily choice to exhaust myself or
seek the instruction manual for direction.
There, you will find 365 “fear nots”, 1 for each day of the year. You’ll find 7,000 promises to stand on, claim
and shout them at the top of your lungs if you have to. In the middle you can experience Jesus on a
deeper level than you ever can on the shore.
His grace, His provision, His faithfulness and His peace are found in
the middle of the worst of storms, the worst of the “suddenlys”. When you take your eyes off the problem and
lean into Jesus it will change you. The
problem may still be there but you will have the confidence that he will work
it all out for your good. Praise him,
maybe not for the problem, but because he will never leave you. When you are weak, He is strong.
When you lean into Jesus, you stop questioning your choices,
blaming, wondering if it’s your fault.
You simply trust him as he comes walking across that water. He’s not worried. He’s got you.
Trust him with your life. Read
the story in Mathew again. What does
Jesus say? “Take courage…It is I….Do not be afraid”.
Friend, Sister, life is a journey. I am sure there will be a boat ride or two in
the future. We may face some
storms. It may get really rough. And until we reach that eternal shore
prepare. Read the instruction manual. Get to know the master of the wind
personally. Memorize his promises. Remember the words, “It is I…Take Courage….Do not be afraid.”
And if you see someone in a storm, step up and throw them a
life line of encouragement or even supplies if needed. Stand strong, pray, praise and just marvel as
he works for your good. He loves you and
he’s got you even in the Suddenlys.
The book of Psalms is full of distress calls. Psalms 56-69 and 118:6-120:1. Call to him if you are in the midst of storm. He wants you to ask for help. And remember, Psalms 46:10, Be Still and know
that I am God.
Father, give me peace in the midst of the storm. Let me rest when I see conflict form, when
the plans I make seem to crumble and break.
Thank you. If it wasn’t for the
lighthouse where would be my ship be.
- Sandy Skartsiaris
Thank you, Sandy, for this wonderfully written reminder of God's love and provision. Keeping our eyes and heart on Him always gets us through 'the middle'. You are an amazing witness and I thank God for our friendship. Linda Lauderdale
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