Monday, April 15, 2013

Helplessly Hopeful...

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past..."
When I was a boy, I used to have a reoccurring dream that I was stuck to train tracks by some unknown force... My legs were lead, and struggle as I may to free myself, I couldn't move... It was a helpless feeling.

Today, my battle is more than just a dream... when I am in Parkinson's strongest grip, my childhood dream becomes a reality, and my legs REALLY ARE LEAD... and, I'm REALLY FROZEN IN PLACE... my emotional steam can build so quickly... and, depending on the pressure of the moment, well, I'll freak out...

In the middle of the night, I often listen to the book of Romans. Chapter 7:18b, defines my struggle...
"For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."
As frustrating as this battle for doing the right thing is, I commit to never giving up... and, as I fail again and again... to ask for God's forgiveness, for he is my hope...
"Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans7:20-25)


C.T. Studd
CT. Studd (1860-1931)
Charles Thomas Studd was an English missionary who faithfully served His Savior in China, India, and Africa.
His motto was: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."

ONLY ONE LIFE, 'TWILL SOON BE PAST
​“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart,
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
https://www.google.com/search?q=When+did+CT+Studd+write+only+one+life?&rlz=1C1CHBH_enUS792US795&sxsrf=AOaemvJsHwzpIOQdOSJyR20a7J-ch_Kswg:1630173085738&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=RykpUWlGfd174M%252CBsrwXAnLtwdJWM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kREc-3_1NPptED2pCdu_cps5x742w&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjagMr9o9TyAhWQq5UCHZUpBucQ9QF6BAgPEAE#imgrc=RykpUWlGfd174M C.T. Studd

9 comments:

  1. Well said, dad. You never know what challenges God is going to walk you through. Keep on fighting for joy!

    Hmm... and be careful... "there's nothing in the rulebook about chainsaws"!

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  2. Heard this post with heart and soul. God's peace and grace to you, Merv. Keep fighting the good fight; you never know who you are leading on the way... Michelle

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  3. Thank you Merv for taking up pen and ink and writing again. I know it is great comfort to all of us, to set our hope on the Only One who is substantial enough to give hope. Jesus.
    love, Chris

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  4. mervin allen best!!
    such a blessing you are to us all.
    As I watch you, I see the humility of Jesus.
    God gives grace to the humble so I trust you
    are receiving generous helpings of grace! That being said,
    even with grace, I know your suffering is severe.
    Always grateful for you,
    molly

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  5. Thanks for taking time to share with us and point us to Christ!

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  6. This brought tears to my eyes. I pray for you daily !

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  7. thats the scripture i needed to hear although God has brought Psalms 40 to me today.

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  8. Thank you, Merv. You are an incredible example to all of us. Praying for His strength, His presence, & His comfort to surround you throughout your recovery. (Gina)

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