Strong in the Strength of Someone Else

Strong in the strength of someone else,

Trusting a hand that never has failed;

Living a life of spiritual wealth,

Strong in the strength of someone else.

Daniel was thrown in the den of the lions,

Incredible odds said he could not win;

But He found a strength that was stronger than the lion's

It was making a church out of the lion's den.

David stepped out to battle Goliath,

Incredible odds said he could not win;

But he found the strength that was stronger than the giant,

With a sling and a stone, David's battle was won.

Strong in the strength of someone else,

Trusting a hand that never has failed;

Living a life of spiritual wealth,

Strong in the strength of someone else.

I live in a world that's filled with evil,

Incredible odds say I cannot win;

But I found a strength that is strong like a mountain,

Flowing through me from my Father's right hand.

In sickness, in health, I'm strong in the strength.

For richer or poorer, I'm strong in the strength.

Death cannot part us for I'm strong in the strength!

Strong in the strength of someone else,

Trusting a hand that never has failed;
Living a life of spiritual wealth,
Strong in the strength of someone else.

Strong in the strength OF. THE. LORD!!!

(Words and music by Roger Bennett)

This song has been running around in my head all week. I don't remember ever having a week or ten days that have been as full of sad news to think about and pray about.

A little more than a week ago, the news broke here in Colorado, and I'm sure elsewhere, of the moral failure of the pastor of the largest church in the state - Ted Haggard. He was also the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. It rocked us to the core. He admitted his guilt and resigned his church, but not before the other party broke it to the newspapers.

We began getting e-mails from the children of a pastor who used to be here in Colorado - one of my favorite people I've known. He was in serious condition with a heart attack. Prayers were going to heaven from all over the country as his children kept us apprised of his condition. His spirit was in tune with his Lord - though his family had to tell him several times a day why he was where he was and what had happened, he was able to quote scripture and his sense of humor was intact.

A young man (46) whom I've known since he was a teen had two heart attacks in that many weeks - has had 3 stints put in. He is a nurse and recognized the symptoms as they began, so was able to be cared for quickly. But he is discouraged and needs our prayers.

My husband's young second cousin (age 21, I think), developed blood clots while visiting in Italy. She was pregnant as well. This week they took the baby early because of the clotting. The blood thinners created other problems and she has had at least two surgeries since the birth of the baby (who is doing fine). She is not doing well at all.

One of our adjunct professors called in Monday morning saying that he was taking his wife (age 58) to the hospital. She'd been throwing up from what they thought was food poisoning and that morning had fallen as she got out of bed. She was immediately taken to surgery with a massive heart attack. Thursday she passed away. Such a shock! So sad. The only acknowledgement they ever made of God was in the form of "slang" at some point in every few sentences.

DC mentioned the other night that he wasn't feeling so hot. I didn't think too much of it, because there's a lot of stuff going around here. The next afternoon around 5:00 I got a call from a doctor I'd never heard of saying DC was in the office being treated for a severe bladder infection. I've never seen this man so sick as he was when he got home - he should never have driven himself home, but he did. He was shivering so violently that I could hardly help him get in bed. The strong antibiotic that they shot him with took hold quickly, and he returned for another one the next day. When the results of the urine test came back, we were shocked to learn that the bacteria causing the trouble was ecoli! We're trusting that the oral antibiotic he is taking will get rid of that disgusting and scary problem.

I myself went in for a bone density scan. Five years ago I was borderline and now I'm .1 point away from osteoporosis - it's called osteopenia. I exercise, I take calcium, but I guess I have to do more. I really don't want to join Sally Field and the Boniva gang.

Then of course there's little Micah, whose button I have on my sidebar - his family is updating every Sunday. What a sweet little face he has! My grandkids are praying for Micah.

And then there's Amy Wilhoite who is struggling with a bone marrow transplant after months of chemotherapy. I ache for her husband and her little baby boy. But what a wonderful example of grace and faith under pressure she has been.

All of this has been on my mind and heart this week and I've been singing the song above. I also have found the following scriptures that really comforted me.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

John 16:33 "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."

I John 5:4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Have a blessed Lord's Day!