Preacher C and the Endless Wilderness

This year for Lent, I chose to give up television. The first two weeks were NO PROBLEM. I thought, "This is gonna be a breeze!" Then I had surgery and was bed-ridden for a week. I couldn't quilt. I couldn't scrapbook. I couldn't cook. I couldn't get outside in all the nice weather. I couldn't even read because the meds made my eyes all blurry. The anesthesia made me sick. I was basically hating life. AND THEY STARTED A NEW SEASON OF DANCING WITH THE STARS! ARGH!

I remembered why I had chosen to give up TV. It was so that I'd have more time to do the things I enjoyed, and more time to spend with God. So God and I had a good looooong chat. And another. And several more. I did all the talking, I'm afraid. I'm prone to do that, being that I talk for a living. Last Sunday, I had given in to a bit of a pity party. I cried out to God that I just didn't have any fight left in me. I wondered if Jesus felt that way after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Not long after that the phone rang. It was my Sunday night Bible study group. They were calling to see if I would mind if they visited me.

My husband said a smile came to my face. I just know my prayer was answered. I said, "Mind? I'd love it if they'd come!" My loving husband set to cleaning the house; I put on some clean pajamas; and soon they arrived. Even though my beloved Tar Heels had just lost, it seemed so trivial, because what really mattered was that I was loved by an awesome God and his awesome angels who had come to minister to their minister in her time of need. I told them that at the end of that story about Jesus in the wilderness, when he had faced his last temptation, angels came and ministered to him. So maybe, just maybe, I've met my last temptation...at least for this trip through the wilderness. All I know is, my angels showed up just in time!

Often people from all walks of life come to me for help in their circumstances. I always encourage them, no matter who they are, to get involved in a faith community. I don't know how anyone goes through life without one. Yes, any local church will help you all they can. But YOUR church will go that second mile, and stand by you, walk with you, and share your burdens and your joys. We all have our wilderness times. We all need God and we all need each other. If you are reading this and are a church member, reach out to someone in need - just a card or a call. If you are in need and no one is reaching out - does your pastor know? Sometimes we're the last to know! Have someome let us know if you are sick or in need. Who knows, you just might find angels on your doorstep!