Gemstone777

I have another awesome praise to share in this situation!  God is so good, and I'm so thankful how He is working in Mary's life!                                                                                                                                                                       

They were able to put the pace maker in, and she has a lot more energy from that.  She was also having terrible back pain causing her to not sleep for 2 days , and she remembered something I told her right after she awoke from the coma when she called us.  I told her that if she ever got to a place again where she felt she couldn't take it/go on to cry out to God and He would help her.  He says He won't give us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), and even though at times it feels like it, we know that God is not a liar!  She said, "Okay Lord, I give it all to you," and then she felt something like a jolt of electricity/lightning go through her body from head to toe.  Even though it's only been a couple of days, she's had no back pain since then and slept really well.  She says that she knows God touched her.  

She was also excited to report that she'd been reading in the book of John.  She said she is understanding better who Jesus is.  She has had a very big turn around since the attempted suicide both physically, and spiritually.  Another thing she said is that she talked her husband in to swallowing his pride so they could get help/assistance cause they truly need it.  

Please continue to pray for physical/emotional healing and a closer walk with God for Mary!  Thank you all that have prayed so much already.  We see God working!  Mary sends her thanks also.  Our family truly appreciates each and every one of you that have taken the time to pray.  May God bless each one of you!  

Love always in Christ, Gem  

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

Wow Gem, thank you deeply for your clarification. I don't know you very well, and in trying to navigate the religious side of Christianity, appearances can be confusing!

Hi Meg!    

I think it can be good to ask questions if we don't know what someone means so misunderstandings don't happen.  Communicating this way, things can be lost in translation.  But I am glad that we can communicate this way with people from all over the world!  I am actually usually a details person, but I'm trying not to be as wordy lately, as some like bullet points statements.  The problem with bullet point statements though is that they can sometimes be left up to interpretation, and perceptions may not all be the same.  Anyways, (I'm being wordy, lol) I am just glad that you understand my thoughts better now!    

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

I think your SIL may have gotten lost out there, thinking that just believing herself a Christian was enough. A lot of people I have encountered seem to think that their own opinion of their idea of faith is all they need; if they even own a Bible, they mostly don't read it...

Yes, that is what I'm concerned about that she is just religious (believing God is real,) but not having a saving faith conversion through Jesus and actually following Christ.  To my knowledge, she hasn't read her Bible much until recently.  The good thing is that even though she is mad at God right now, she still has a desire to know what He says in His Word.  He could use her reading of the Word to change her heart and have an authentic conversion and strengthen her faith.  That is what we are praying!  Yes, too many aren't reading the Word of God, and they are harming themselves in doing so.  Some rely on their pastors only to teach them, but they are humans and could interpret things wrong.  Most good pastors I've heard challenge their listeners to compare what they say with the Word of God.  2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  I get such comfort/encouragement from the Word, and God uses it to help me through difficult times.  It also gives me instructions so I know how to live and what to strive for. 

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

I'm picking up on some confusion about how to get Mary into Scripture; the sticky question of where to tell someone to start. You would like her to start with Job, which I just read last week, but because Job's friends kept accusing him of bringing the disaster on himself, that may not be the best place for her to start. It's been several years since I participated in online forums, and I've gotten out of practice addressing these sort of things, I am so sorry. I need time to think and pray, maybe I can recall some of the helpful things I used to know.

When someone is seeking, or they are a new believer I usually suggest they start at John.  I think it's one of the easier Gospels to read for new believers, and it clearly explains who Jesus is and what salvation is.  I also like Genesis, because it tells about God, creation, and how things began.  Leviticus is one I personally wouldn't recommend at first because it's a hard read for some.  Revelation is one I may not recommend right away either because even theologians disagree about things in it, (how much is literal or how much is figurative, Trib views, etc.)  Since it talks about end times stuff and there is a lot of imagery in it, many people are drawn to it though.  My husband and I used to be house parents to teenage boys at a Christian school, and one of the first books the boys wanted to go through during devotions time was Revelation.  We were like ut oh, they're going to keep us on our toes, lol!  It turned out well because they were interested and asked lots of questions.  

I do understand your concern for Job because of his accusatory friends.  There is even a teaching/learning lesson in that though.  Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.  It wasn't until after he forgave them of their wrong treatment of him that he was restored.  A great lesson in forgiveness and humility.  I think one thing that keeps some from becoming Christians is because they don't see God as a loving God, and the book of Job kind of explains part of the reasons why people suffer, especially godly ones.  It also kind of puts us as humans in our place because we do like to control things, but it reminds us that we are not God.  Job 38:4 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Tell me if you have understanding.  I just know for me personally when my heart was upset with the Lord because I had served God from my youth, but I was sick, barren, and lost my mom that God used that book to really soften my heart towards Him/my circumstances, heal my wrong attitudes, and draw me closer to Him.      

Anything you want to share that helped you though I'd love to hear, as we all process things differently.  Maybe it could help Mary as well!  

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

One thing I do know that really helps is to see if you or anybody can get her talking about the Lord and find out what her questions and doubts are. Honest, grounded answers to people's questions are the heart of discipling, ministering and encouragement, but I think you already know that.

I know that she really respects my husband, and he is her favorite sibling.  He is a former pastor, and he did both of his parents funerals.  She was very close with them both.  I think he is a very good person for her to talk with about the spiritual things.  I kind of see my role more as nurturing and encouraging her since I know how difficult it can be to live w/chronic pain and illness.  I like when you said, "Honest, grounded answers to people's questions are the heart of discipling, ministering, and encouragement."  I couldn't agree with you more!  Authenticity/genuiness is what people crave/desire!  

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

I will pray for you and for Mary in my daily prayers. I hope that and what I have tried to share helps somehow.

 

In Christ, Meg

Thanks again Meg for praying for not just Mary, but me!  I can always use more prayer!  Thank you!  I always love hearing another's perspective, so thanks for sharing your heart!  

Love in Christ always, Gem  

14 hours ago, wingnut- said:

Continued prayers, thanks for sharing the great report.  Praise God!

Hi Nut!  Yes, praise God!  Hope you are doing well!   

1 hour ago, Blue Lulu said:

So glad to hear this news about your sister-in-law.  I am praying for her.

Thank you Blue Lulu!  We appreciate the prayers so much!  God bless you!  

3 hours ago, Sojourner414 said:

As for Disability, Bluebird is correct: nowadays, just about every case is turned down, requires appeal and a lawyer because of the way the system works and is overburdened. I went through it myself, only to be denied and ultimately being cut off entirely (they have rules on "quarters worked", and all that which work in their favor).

I understand Sojo, and I am sad for you!  (((Hugs)))  I've been denied a couple times myself for quarters worked and husband's job (not the good one he has now,) even though they say I am disabled (have a 5 year handicap parking pass and multiple illnesses that qualify for the government definition of disability.)  One of the denials they told me if I legally separated from my husband or divorced him I could get it, but I told them morally I could not do that.  We trusted God, and He had other plans.  Thankfully, He's taken care of us, even though in the past it was not easy.  Also, the younger you are the harder it seems to get approved unless you are deemed terminal.  Praying for you!   

4 hours ago, Bluebird said:

Gemstone, first, I thank Jesus Christ for the good news about your Sister-In-Law's recovery! She is definitely on the right track. You mention that you think that she is in need of an " authentic conversion ". Maybe I misunderstand what you mean by that, but our faith journey is not defined by correct theology, but rather by a desperately challenged effort to understand the truth as God defines it while satan is doing his level best to discourage and destroy our relationship with Jesus Christ, with ourselves and with each other.

Hi Bluebird!  Thanks for taking the time to comment and celebrate Mary's awakening from the coma with us.    Let me try to clear up what I mean/explain further so you have a better understanding of where I am coming from.  What I mean is that she may need an authentic conversion, or that her genuine conversion from long ago/faith strengthened.  She drinks, curses, is mad at God, and tried to kill herself which to me are indicators that she is probably not right with the Lord.  Along w/the conversation we had with her and her life choices we have reasons to be concerned.  We desire her to be with us in heaven, and want to make sure as much as we humanly can because the words coming out of her mouth/her actions are causing us to doubt the sincerity of a professed conversion made at 5 years old.  The only reason I share the details is so that my brothers and sisters will know specifically how to pray for her.  I hope our concerns are unwarranted and that she is our true sister in the Lord, not just my husband's sister by blood.  

I do know that sometimes we as Christians can do things that are not what Christians should do, and that doesn't make us any less saved.  Romans 7:15 I (Apostle Paul) do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  We are all imperfect beings, and we will make mistakes.  Even though we are justified immediately by the blood of Christ for those who receive salvation, the sanctification process to become like Christ is an ongoing/lifelong process.  I believe sincerity of heart is important, but I am not God so I can't truly know another person's heart fully.  Matthew 7:16-20 You will know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Drinking to the point of being drunk, trying to take your own life (attempting to murder oneself,) and other things are not deemed good fruits, so that's where our concern is coming from, a place of caring for our loved one.  Matthew 7:21 & 23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.'....Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!'  

While sincerity of heart is important, I also think our actions and our doctrine is important.  I think they all matter to God.   Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.  Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.  Sound doctrine is important because it's God's purpose for us in His Word.  By comparing our hearts (thoughts/attitudes) with our actions, we can see if we are in alignment with how God desires us to be.  Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.   Sure, we need to show love and concern especially for someone that is hurting and at a low spot, but that doesn't mean we disregard doctrine to do that.   

I can't be 100% assured of anyone's genuine conversion besides my own though.  I surely do hope that she knows Jesus, and I desire that strongly for her, and am hopeful because we love her.    I think there are some that think because they believe that God is real, it's the same as following/serving Him/being forgiven through the blood of Christ/having a true salvation conversion.  James 2:19 You believe that God is one.  You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  We know that demons are not Christians and yet they believe God is real, but that doesn't make them Christians.  I do think at times of great distress and the lowest of valleys is where a lot of people meet Jesus, or grow their faith.  Sometimes it takes those harsh circumstances to wake us up to show us our need.   I also think of the parable of the seeds:

Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23  Then he (Jesus) told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among the thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.......Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:  When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.  This is the seed sown along the path.  The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time.  When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.  But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.  This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."  

I completely agree with you that satan is doing his best to discourage and destroy our relationships with Jesus and others.  1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  He loves to create misunderstandings, to make distractions to keep us focused from doing God's will, and to rob us of our joy.  

4 hours ago, Bluebird said:

It is clear from the conversations of hers that you have related that her conversion is genuine. It is also clear that her suffering has severely damaged her understanding of a suffering life as contrasted with a loving God. I too have experienced the level of suffering and disappointment as a Christian that took my faith to the very foundations of my conversion... I too have walked on Job's journey. Your Sister-In-Law sounds like a lovely and very deeply wounded lady. She sounds achingly lonely, scared and of course, very exhausted from the constant pain. The idiots who administer the Disability program have a well recognized habit of utter heartlessness. Maybe if she understands that this isn't special for her case, she won't feel singled out for special mistreatment from that angle...

I definitely think Mary is seeking, and I'm just thankful that the Lord woke her up and gave her another chance as some people don't get that opportunity.  Yes, her personal suffering has made her equate favorable circumstances with the love of God.  But as we see all throughout the Bible, some of the ones He loved most suffered the most on Earth, including His only Son!  Trials have many purposes, and I was able to share them w/her and hopefully encourage her through that.  I'm not saying it as a person that has had an easy/cush life.  I say it as a person that knows how deep pain and suffering can go, both physical and emotional.  I've been sick with multiple chronic illnesses since my mid 20's and I am 43.  I lost my mom to cancer at 51 in my late 20's.  In fact, we lost 3 of our 4 parents within 5 years of each other.  I helped my dad raise my kid brother with a learning disability and homeschool him after my mom's passing.  My husband and I've been unable to have children.  He's suffered job losses in the past.  We've encountered many difficult ministries and many more heartwrenching things.  One reason I suggested for her to read Job is studying that book in depth/leading a ladies Bible study on it helped me to look at God and my suffering in a new light.  God has been faithful to us though, and He's used those struggles to help us relate to others and care for their needs.  He's also grown our faith and helped me to see He's a loving God even when life doesn't go the way we planned.  Nothing difficult that we go through goes unwasted if we allow God to work in our lives!  She is wounded, and I am trying to care for and love her the best way I know how.  She was very encouraged to know that others were praying for her.     

The people that administer the Disability program are unfortunately sometimes governed by the laws that dictate what they can approve.  When I was able to work full time, I was previously a Case Manager for the Welfare office, and I know the government red tape all too well.  There are some people that know how to manipulate the system and they get cared for at times not needing it, and others who really need the help which won't ask for help, or fall through the cracks.  It has failed me too, and I am just thankful that God has taken care of me by blessing my husband with a good job to care for me/my medical needs.  I've also hosted a support group online for those with chronic illnesses, and I know many that suffer so greatly that have been denied, some multiple times.  I was able to share this with her, and I do think it helped her to know that she's not alone in a system that's in need of reform.  

4 hours ago, Bluebird said:

I pray that she find kindness, strength and the precious truth that only comes from Jesus Christ, so that her heart and mind may be encouraged to hang on it the face of all this. These are terrible times, and many, many people are suffering deeply. If we can just hang on to the roots of our faith and trust in the Lord, we have a hope in Eternity that is so very worth fighting for any way we can. I pray that the Lord and those who love her can encourage her to find a deep enough peace and a strong enough hope to stand through all this because the Lord never takes our suffering lightly, and He has very good reason to ask us to live through these difficult times and carry His light in a world that so desperately needs us Christians to hold the line of sanity and sanctity...

^{I am praying that God sends her friends in her area that will encourage her.  She lives several states away from me, so I can only encourage her from afar.  Many of my chronically ill friends say they just need a hug from a friend in person, and I understand that.  I do think nobody can satisfy or love us like Christ, but we were created for relationships.  I appreciate you praying and caring for her.  It sounds like you can relate to some of her pain and that is acting out the biblical verses: 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  And Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.}  

^{Thank you for sharing your heart.  Hopefully, this helps you understand better what I mean, or where I am coming from.  It's not a place of unfair, harsh judgment, but of love for my family member that I want to spend eternity with in heaven.  I also want her to find joy/peace in this life with whatever amount of time she has left.  May God bless you, and encourage you!}

^{In Christian love, Gem}

On 4/19/2018 at 11:16 PM, SisterActs2 said:

Oh, my goodness Gemstone777.  How great and marvellous is our Lord God!  How majestic is His Name in all the earth.  Glory to God in the highest!  We thank our great and gracious Lord for answering all our prayers, and the ones to come.  How He cares; how He loves.  He is the beginning and the end; the Alpha and the Omega!  I am so happy to hear this wonderful news.  Praise the Lord!

Sister, you are not a kidding!  Our Lord God is great, marvelous, majestic, gracious, caring, loving, and worthy of all glory, our praise, thanks, and honor!   Thanks for sharing in the joy of the good news with me!  

21 minutes ago, NOONE7 said:

Praying!!

Thank you Noone7!  God bless you!  

Hi everyone!  I am so excited to share some good news with you!  It never ceases to amaze me how big our God is!!!  I also want to thank all of you for diligently praying for my sister in law!  She is not out of the woods yet, so please keep the prayers coming! 

Today, after coming home from a lake/fishing vacation, my husband called expecting to talk to his sister's husband.  Not sure of what news we would hear, we were both surprised when his sister answered the phone!  She is still in the hospital, but out of the coma, praise the Lord!!!  She might not have awakened, so this is a huge answer to prayer!  They were unable to do the pace maker because her heart rate is very low (around 40 I think.)  She lives several states away, so we couldn't go there right away, but we were able to talk with her for over an hour on the phone and pray with her.  

At first she tried to say it was a drug interaction, but then she admitted attempting to take her own life.  My husband asked her why she would do that, and she said that she had nothing left to live for.  He reassured her that she had people who loved her (her husband, daughter, grandkids, us, etc.)  He told her how precious life is and that our lives are not our own to take.  He asked her about her salvation/conversion experience in detail.  She said that she had accepted Christ as a child, and she still believed in Jesus and God, but felt as though God had abandoned her and wasn't listening to her prayers.  She said that she feels as if it's all more than she can bear.  She said she was baptized a 2nd time recently, so we think that she might have a misconceived works based theology.  I reassured her there's nothing she can do to earn her way to heaven that Jesus' blood already covered all of our sins.  I also told her through my own experience that you can't rely on your feelings or they can lead you astray, even to the point of thinking God is not a good God, which we know that He is.  You have to rely on the Word of God and what it says.  She said she had been reading through Revelation, and asked my husband some questions.  I encouraged her to read through Job, as I think it would help her as to why God's children have to suffer.  My husband encouraged her to read John, so she will know who Christ is more.  Please continue to pray for an authentic conversion.  

My husband had me talk with her, as I've had nearly 2 decades of health issues and suffering and thought I could relate to her/encourage her.  She really opened up and said her health issues had taken a toll on her, the constant pain without relief.  She also said that in part it had caused her to lose her friends/she has no friends, probably cause she's unable to do much.  I tried to encourage her through God's Word how important her life is.  I reminded her that we were created in the image of God and above all the other animals.  We were able to share lots of Scriptures with her, and a clear message of salvation.  We are hopeful that her conversion is genuine and just being tested, or that an authentic conversion will be made.  

She has been approved for a 5 year handicap parking pass, and her SS disability looks like it has been approved, but there's a waiting period to receive it.  Please pray that God will move quickly in that area.  She says they are in danger of losing their home.  They are living on her husband's military pension (which is below the poverty limit.)  His knees are too bad to work.  

Thanks again for all your support, love, concern, and prayers!  May God richly bless each and every one of  you!  (((Hugs)))  

Love always in Christ, Gem

Continued prayers Jadey!  Love ya!  

2 minutes ago, KPaulG said:

Praying.

How's everything going now?

Thanks for praying KPaul, we really appreciate you!  There is no change to report.  I will try to keep you posted as we hear anything.  

1 hour ago, SisterActs2 said:

Praying again Gemstone777

Thank you Sister!  I have no update to share.  She is still on life support, with no changes.  Thankfully, she's still alive so there is hope.  We are praying for her to know Jesus and have peace.  God bless you for your faithfulness!

9 hours ago, GreyDestiny said:

Denial of disability? That's messed up. If a person is experiencing such pain that they are unable to work, that's a disability.

I will be certain to pray, not only that she recovers, but that her disability is able to kick in.

It is sad that she is in fact disabled, but not recognized as that.  I know of others that have this same problem, and it does make me very sad for them.  Thank you for caring and praying.  May God bless you!  

9 hours ago, wingnut- said:

Praying

Thanks Nut!  I appreciate ya brother!  

12 hours ago, enoob57 said:

Prayed...Love, Steven

Thank you Steven!  I can feel the love from you and the others, and we are very grateful to have you all joining us in prayer!  God bless you!  

13 hours ago, Ps37 said:

Praying.

Thank you Ps37!  We appreciate the prayers!  

14 hours ago, SisterActs2 said:

I am praying also Gemstone777.  May our Lord be with you all.

Thank you so much for praying SisterActs2!  We appreciate all of you praying for our family!  

15 hours ago, BK1110 said:

Praying!

Thanks BK for praying, we appreciate you doing so!  

15 hours ago, Debp said:

So very sorry to hear this.  Prayed

We are very appreciative of all the prayers, thank you!  

18 hours ago, p.rehbein said:

Thank you for the prayers, we appreciate them!    

20 hours ago, shanee said:

Praying now

Thank you Shanee!  We appreciate the prayers.  

22 hours ago, PersecutedOne88 said:

Praying for your husband's sister...so sorry to hear this. My sympathies....

Thank you PersecutedOne88.  This reminds me of Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.  We appreciate the prayers!  

23 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Sorry, I extend my sympathy to all of you as you go through this hard time.

Thank you Neighbor, I appreciate your compassion!  May God bless you!  

On 4/17/2018 at 9:11 PM, Abby-Joy said:

Oh my...praying now, dear sister!!??

Thank you Abby!  I have nothing new to report, but she is still alive, and there is hope!  Thank you!