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Crystal Cathedral

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Devotions

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Tough faith for tough times

Sheila Schuller Coleman

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." – Philippians 4:9

The dreaded call about Dad undergoing brain surgery in Amsterdam came in the middle of the night. Prognosis uncertain, Mom and Robert rushed to his side.

The church prayed. Media reported. And when we spoke to Dad on Sunday from his hospital bed, we felt relieved. Then Mom called, "The bleeding has returned. Robert's family needs him at home. The second surgery is tomorrow. Can you come be with me?"

I arrived the next day expecting Dad to be sitting up in bed, his usual verbose self, asking questions, eager to be out of there. Instead, he could not put two words together. My world suddenly reeled.

Back at the hotel that night, I found it hard to be strong for Mom. She was kneeling by the bed, praying for Dad, reading her Bible, and modeling for me tough faith for tough times.


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Who has modeled for you what it means to have tough faith during tough times? When have you modeled it for others?

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Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional"

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  1. pjl writes:

    Jesus said to Jairus, who was just told that his daughter had died, "Dont be afraid, just believe" 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Movie' was an unusual source of a word of truth when Rocky said "You need the most faith when things look the most bleak." It's easy to have faith when things go our way, but I'm not sure that that's really faith.

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    10/23/2009 04:59:06
  2. KERRIEHAR writes:

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was never so scared. I prayed for God to take the fear away and I would handle the rest. At that very moment, I was no longer afraid. I took my husband's hand and told him that everything would be fine. I underwent surgery, 8 chemos and 33 radiations and only missed 2 days of work, the day of my mastectomy and the day after. I felt at peace and was strong and I know that God was with me. I was able to show my family the strength and love they needed during this journey. I am now cancer free. hic cup in life

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    10/23/2009 11:35:33
  3. Rosebud37 writes:

    My mother was a great example of that kind of strength; although she said that she didn't feel that way at the time. She also had cancer; and she had a risky surgery that ended up saving her life. We were young: 6 kids all in our teens. While my Father fretted all night long with my brother at his side, God gave me an interesting sense of peace thru it all: like I just felt that she would be OK. She was very sick for awhile, and I felt so bad for her. We are very grateful to the VON nurses (GOD BLESS THEM) who came to our home & helped her so much. I would cook for my Dad & siblings; and tried to encourage my younger sisters who were so scared. Mom said her faith in the Lord & her church helped get her thru it. Watching Mom all those years living with a colostomy showed me her true strength: but I know that JESUS was her real strength, as he is for me now! *** KERRIEHAR: you too are an inspiration. ***

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    10/24/2009 11:47:48
  4. BABS61 writes:

    In my case, similar to Sheila, the writer of this devotion, and to Rosebud37, my mother was my model for strength and faith as witnessed throughout my childhood and adult life until her death at the age of 76. As I was growing up, she faced many health issues that nearly took her life. Then, when my father had to have emergency bypass surgery, she was stoic in her faith and became a model for us as we dealt with our fears for dad's survival. But especially significant for me, was how she dealt with her final battle over her illness: ovarian cancer. What dignity she had in facing death!. The precious gift given to me was witnessing her profound belief in God. Together we prayed daily and though we shared some incredible moments of sadness, we were able to find inner peace and happiness through the bond of true love and friendship. Yes, indeed, she modeled for me "tough faith for tough times." Amen!

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    11/08/2009 09:12:48

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