My Big Break, Part Two: I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!

Read My Big Break – Part One here.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amp)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

We continue reading from the Book of William, dropping down to Chapter 1:3: 

³Yea, verily, a small multitude of God’s people had gathered at the Gateway-called to many and diverse tasks in service to the Lord.

⁴Some who were called to be singers and instrumentalists were preparing praise and worship for the next gathering of the faithful.

⁵Others were laboring to prepare the sanctuary for the approaching celebration of Christ Jesus’ birth, and still others were laboring to let those who have ears hear and those who have eyes see.

⁶And so it was that, although William fell in their midst, few were aware it had taken place.

Okay, indulge me a little with the further description using the fictitious Book of William. What I’m saying is that, although there were a number of folks there (okay-not a multitude, perhaps!) within several feet of each other, I fell with little notice.

I don’t remember who the second one was to find out I had fallen off the stage. Of course, I was the first (speaking of human beings only and not the Lord)!  But then, in an instant, it seemed as if I were surrounded. There was concern by the body of Christ, there was attention by friends who had some medical background. Looking back, I’m certain there were prayers being voiced.

Yet, there I was, lying there berating myself out loud and under my breath for doing something so “stupid.”  Over and over, as if my regret and self-incrimination over being and acting like an “idiot” could change things, I continued mentally to go over the fall as if my apologies to God would erase the act.

Yes, it was a careless act on my part. One might say that my reaction was “natural.”  Why wouldn’t I feel responsible for a thoughtless act such as this which would affect my life, Chris’ life, and the lives of others-not to mention the added expense at a time when we could ill afford them.

But the Lord thought differently.

In the midst of it all, the Lord began to speak to me. Without words, He stilled my lips to their self-criticism and condemnation.  He began to reconcile me to what had happened and I felt a calming and peace start to fill me.

Then He brought to my mind the words of Romans 8:28, as He would over and over afterward.  I began to affirm them to myself, thinking, “Lord, this has happened and there’s nothing I can do about it. Just let me gain something positive and meaningful out of this situation.  Cause me to grow in my knowledge and my relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Thoughts of “if only” still rose in me: “If only I had been more careful”, “If only I had stayed home instead of insisting to Chris that we come.” And there were the “what ifs”: “We don’t have traditional insurance-what if we’re not able to pay for this?” and “What if this is a serious injury and I’m not able to walk normally?”

The ambulance came; Chris rode with me.  We were on the way to our “Great Adventure.”

The best is yet to come.

Love,
Brother Bill