“I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of his tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them….The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ….Faithfulness, obedience and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings….I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us….Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days.”
There are so many things in this life that could easily be chalked up to coincidence. Here's an example. I was feeling perfectly health the morning of August 26th when I got up at 4:30 am to get ready to teach seminary. After taking a shower I began toweling off and out of the blue, without any warning, I realized I didn't have good control of my left arm and leg. I was so confused. I wondered if I was imagining it.
I thought maybe I could walk it off, but I quickly realized that was not going to happen. I woke Dave up and said, "Davey, something's not right." He got up and watched me do the weirdest, clumsiest things with my arm and leg. It was like they had a mind of their own. After getting someone to teach my seminary class we headed to the ER at Tri-City Hospital. Upon learning of my symptoms they immediately took me back and began running a bunch of tests. They did not waste a minute getting things going.
As it turns out, I had a T.I.A. In the world of Pam Anderson those letters stand for Tim McGraw Is Awesome!!! Or at least they used to. Now they stand for Transient Ischemic Attack, or a mini stroke. The stroke word is a scary one. Big time!!! But mine was super mini and after only a few days all of my symptoms were completely gone. I am so blessed.
So here is where the tender mercy of the Lord comes into play. I am terrible about going to the doctor. Just terrible. I would always joke that my doctor's name was Dr. Google and how he was so good at helping me diagnose all of my issues. Not the smartest idea I've ever had. Turns out I've had a heart problem for quite some time, possibly my whole life, and I had no idea. Without the wake up call that the T.I.A. provided, I still wouldn't know that I have three damaged heart valves. And I'd still be walking around with a high risk of having a really serious stroke.
You see, I had virtually no symptoms before the T.I.A. The mini stroke was not a coincidence, it was a tender mercy from the Lord. It called to my attention to something that needs attention, and the doctor feels it needs attention right away. My heart was a bit of a ticking time bomb, and I had no idea. But this I do know, God was looking out for me on August 26th at 4:30 am. He knew that Pam Anderson needed a wake up call and that Dr. Google just wasn't gonna cut it.
God watches over His children so personally, so individually, so intimately. I know this to be true. I have experienced it many times in my life. I have seen Him watch over our children, personally, individually, intimately. Dave and I have experienced it throughout our marriage. It's the greatest blessing. The T.I.A. was God's way of protecting me. "The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection...These blessings are available to all." And I am so very grateful!
From my heart to yours,
You can read, watch or listen to David A. Bednar's entire message here:
The Tender Mercies of the Lord
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Being a missionary mom has been one of the greatest joys in my life!!!
I love Elder Jake so much and I'm so grateful for his choice to serve the Lord!!
I love Elder Jake so much and I'm so grateful for his choice to serve the Lord!!
Amen! I truly believe that, Pam!
ReplyDeleteOur God is an awesome God!