Thursday, November 12, 2020

Dear Church Family,

  In my video devotion yesterday I mentioned that a friend of mine, who I never met, had died. I talked about Alex Trebeck, who hosted Jeopardy for 34-plus years and died over the weekend. Yesterday I learned that a hero of mine almost died last month. Ryan Bomberger runs a Bible-based foundation that seeks “to creatively affirm that every human life has purpose.” He describes himself as a “passionate factivist” whose “life defies the myth of the ‘unwanted’ child as he was adopted, loved and has flourished.” Here is some of his story and some what God taught him.

  He writes, “I nearly died on October 12 from a pulmonary embolism that resulted in dangerous blot clots to my lungs. I couldn’t breathe, and it was terrifying. I was rushed to the ER.” He admits that he ignored warnings that his body sent, after all, he was doing kingdom work while still being fully engaged with his wife and four children. He admits like many who work diligently, “I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I should have. I always looked at rest as something you do when everything is done. But rest is what you do so you can get things done. Rest is a spiritual weapon, too.”

  He shares good news: “It will be a long journey of recovery, but we’re praying and believing for a God detour to complete healing! It’s easy to be overwhelmed by my fragile state, but I’m looking forward to being overwhelmed by what God will do through all of this.” I love the hope that he shares.

  His near-death experience led him to reflect on what Joseph went through with his brothers. “These words from Joseph, in Genesis 50:20, are a new life anthem for me: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is being done, the saving of many lives.” I nearly died …, but God had different plans! I know I was meant to be. And I’ll continue to fight, through whatever circumstance (Phil 4:13), to rescue the ones left to perish in our cultural pits.” He likens the year 2020 to what Joseph endured. Notice Ryan’s use of those glorious two words “but God” which he employs twice. Joseph felts hopeless and we at time may have felt hopeless during the pandemic, but God… I can’t wait to see what God will do long-term through the events of 2020.

  Ryan closes with words of thanks and hope that we can use as well, “I’m grateful to God to be alive at this moment in time. I’m beyond thankful that my precious wife and kiddos still have me in their lives, and I have them. We’re facing this crazy upside down reality together as a family who will unite with the Body of Christ to help bring our culture right side up.”

Living by grace to His glory,
Pastor Gillikin