What I take from Bob’s stories is that he recognized God as his Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, no questions asked. Even in his terminal illness he kept in full faith. Once he looked out the window on a drive home from the hospital and declared that maybe he was bored here and that he was ready for something new.
Blessings
“I wish my words had the necessary power so my mind would be laid open for all of you. I encourage all of you to make small continual changes that will lead you closer to God’s intended plan. Being thankful for the blessings you have received is a strong motivation to please God. First, we have to be aware and recognize them. Many blessings are received and forgotten. We are not even aware of them. Struggle hard to remember all the events that have guided your life. Maybe some small twist of fate that has forever made the difference. Fate or God’s will? Nothing you have done was achieved by yourself.
I was privileged to be adopted by two loving parents whose love is still with me even though they are long gone. I realized a “hidden blessing” from a 1941 movie which details the story of a child activist, Edna Gladney. She ran an adoption agency in Ft. Worth. She successfully lobbied the Texas legislature to have the word “illegitimate” removed from birth certificates. I saw this movie recently and quickly realized that Edna Gladney had intervened on my behalf. I was able to get married and not carry man’s stigma on my birth certificate. Was this fate or God’s blessing raining down on me? As I looked at some old crinkled typewritten pages of correspondence I looked at all the names of the various benefactors and supporters whose names and titles were in the letterhead. Then I thought. By supporting this Christian agency, all these people had also blessed me. You can carry this thinking as far back as till God intervened in someone’s life. My point is that your life is only good because someone allowed God into their life and they acted.” – Bob Shelton
I am reminded of the children here at Cicrin orphanage, when I read this. Along the line, someone stepped in on their behalf and cared enough to give them a new life. Helen, the director, has dedicated the last 16 years of her life to children because she was obedient to the Lord’s call. Now she is raising up young men and women that are rising up to become spiritual leaders. Many of the older youth in Cicrin lead bible studies for the younger children. And some of the boys have aspirations to carry ministry to the church.
Bob’s words have blessed me. I share them with you hoping that you will look at your life not as a chain of coincidences but as a string of blessings that are deeply rooted in God’s will for us.
Take to your knees in thanks today for all of your blessings.
