For some of you, the end of 2016 was an exciting time and there is great joy and anticipation for what lies ahead in 2017. For others, we are not sure where 2016 went. Life is beyond hectic and overwhelming staring into 2017. It is almost as if we are barely holding on.
That is where I find myself; holding on. This past summer my wife and I went to the doctor to discover the gender of our third child. What was supposed to be a joyful moment quickly turned to helplessness and fear. We learned of a severe abnormality inside our son’s brain that left the doctors with little hope that he would make it full term or have much quality of life if he did survive. In the uncertainty of that moment, I heard a still small voice from God that everything would be ok, just hold on.
Have you ever found yourself in these life moments where there are no answers? There is no other choice but to hold on. During these times, you try to pray for the best possible outcome, but hold on…is the better prayer for strength to accept the outcome of the roller coaster, also known as God’s will.
As I write this today, my son is two months old. He was diagnosed with a rare
developmental brain disorder, underwent brain surgery at 5 weeks old, but you would never know if you got to meet this cute boy. He is thriving and defying the odds daily. The road ahead will be long, but we continue to hold on to God’s love and grace each day and cling to that still small voice from God that everything would be ok, just hold on.
I realize that not everything turns out the way we like. God’s will might not feel “ok”, or even right in the moment, but God’s plan is perfect and learning to accept that in times of trial is one of the hardest parts. My eyes and heart were opened to new layers of God’s love and grace during our time in hospital facilities as I watched other families hold on in their own unique circumstances.
I will never forget walking into Pod B at the NICU one morning and learning that a mother across from us was holding her daughter behind the curtain for what would be her last breaths in the next hour. I wanted to do something or say something to her, but what?
I could not stop thinking about this mother. I went to the hospital lobby the next day to meet a friend who was coming to visit. I saw the mother there waiting tensely in a wheel chair about to be discharged. I took that as a sign from God to speak. The conversation was brief, but what was most meaningful was being able to hold her hand and pray for God to hold on to her.
My prayer for you this new year is that you will hold on. Or perhaps that you would let God hold on to you. Hold on to the promise of Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
God knows what you are trudging through…difficult family relationships, rocky marriage, financial issues, job loss, struggles at work, daunting health diagnoses, aging parents, watching your children make poor decisions…HOLD ON. Trust that you are right where you are this year and that God earnestly wants to use you to bring hope and light to others in your life.
Ask God to put someone in your path this year that will hold your hand as a reminder of God’s love and presence in your life, and do not miss the opportunities to hold someone else’s hand, even if it is one of a stranger.
Hold your head high and hold on for what God has in store for you in 2017. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Encouraged,
Nathan Tuttle
Minister to Students, First Baptist Church,Wilmington, NC
This past week a great group of 35 GPS students not only fed the homeless on Tuesday night, but went around to their tables, sat with them, listened to their stories, asked for their prayer requests and needs. After all the tables and chairs have been packed away, we had a tremendous prayer circle and it was very moving to hear both the GPS students pray but also several of the homeless men join our prayer circle and pray with all their hearts. The very next day at Wednesday’s CrossTraining, a group of 34 Burmese Karen Refugees children and teenagers were joined one-on-one with 21 GPS students to help them with their homework. We have several Karen refugees who have just come to Wilmington this summer and are beginning from “square one” learning English and doing their homework. Watching these pairs of children who for many were living in Thailand in very poor living and educational circumstances only six months to two years ago, and GPS students from UNCW, studying, reading, and laughing together is terrific.
Wilmington Baptist Association. All of us from different churches came together for one purpose; to show Christ’s love by helping build a house for Tameka, Kamara and Joshua. Some of us painted on the inside (and yes, there was no air conditioning) while some of the men worked on a wheelchair ramp for Joshua who has cerebral palsy. Everyone was wringing wet, but we were all so happy to play a small part in helping this family’s dream come true. As if the day couldn’t be any better it was made extra special when together we celebrated the birthday of Tameka. The celebration was filled with hugs, laughter, birthday cake and singing loudly, ‘Happy Birthday.’ What a BLESSING!- By: Margaret Johnson
nd sweet tea hit the spot! Last week was Tameka’s (the new homeowner) birthday. I had made a cake and we sang Happy Birthday. I really think that might be her best birthday ever! Each one of those people that came out Saturday could have stayed home. They knew how hot it was going to be and that the work ahead wouldn’t be easy. But each one sacrificed 
I’m so glad to be spending it with my wonderful youth family. The first day was kind of rough because we had almost no sleep and we traveled all day. We arrived in Guatemala and got to the mission house safely after a bumpy ride on very poor roads. Day one on the work site was great! Even though we only had one drill for half the day and were short some of our supplies, my team built one house and started another. I played and tried to communicate with the children there, who were so cute and sweet. At night, we gathered together and listened to stories about some of the adults’ journey in their faith. On day two, my team finished the second house and started another at a different work site. I met the family there and again I played with the children in between working on the house. By the end of the day, we finished our third house. Yesterday was our free day and went zip lining I was so excited. Tomorrow we finish our houses and dedicate them to God. I love Guatemala so much and I feel so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to come back and to help change the lives of people in this community.”- Lucy Womble
