I was so taken and inspired several years back when I heard a sermon preached about the giraffe. A baby giraffe comes crashing down to the earth only to get kicked again and again before it's rickety legs gains strength and sturdiness needed to outrun its prey. The lion. Yep, giraffes are one of the fastest land animals and can outrun lions, some are even known to give a lion a beating with its powerful kicks to defend their young. The analogy is a vivid decription of us growing to spiritual maturity, and how often hardships (getting kicked) is what causes us to stand strong and live an abundant, victorious life Christ died for us to have. Our enemy is real, the prince of this world, and battling is necessary to achieve the blessings.
I wasn't surprised to see a picture of a mother giraffe bending down to gently kiss her baby giraffe posted in the pediatric ENT's office wall when I took my son Tage requesting a test not normally done on children his age. I knew he would have to be a special doctor, open minded and humble enough to listen to another specialist. I recognized the symbolism immediately, and I knew God was with me. It was nice to see a kiss and not a kick. A Nemo clock was also on the wall, gotta have my Nemo as one of God's winks, of course.
I was a baby giraffe and have surely endured a beating. I am no longer face down in the dust waiting for it all to just go away, my legs are sturdier and I am learning to glide like a graceful gazelle (but lets stick with the giraffe imagery here) but for a few lingering strongholds...I'm working on it. Thank God for Beth Moore, she's teaching a current lesson the anatomy of a victory, couldn't be better timing.
"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the son of God." 1 John 5:4
Thursday is our appointment at CHOC to have an ABR test on Tage's inner ear. I am expectant and hopeful as I was when he was tested for Dysautonomia in October. I know satan doesn't want Tage well. I know to pray and cling to God's promises is to battle with satan. I remember how much oppresion and discouragment we faced before the battle was won in that doctors office. I mentioned in a previous blog how I sang praise songs quietly in the doctors office knowing the dark menacing hounds of hell would shriek away in agony at the sound of Jesus' mighty name.
Tage loves Charlie Brown. He would ask to watch Charlie Brown movies constantly over Christmas vacation. Hark the Herald became a regular song shouted at the top of his lungs (that song was sung by the characters in the movie with the little tree, you know the one?), not so cute first thing in the morning. He even rocks his head back and forth immitating the cartoon. So, 9:15 am Thursday, Hark the Herald will be the praise song of choice while Tage undergoes the procedure (he will be sedated). It is my favorite carol because of the line "risen with healing in his wings..."a powerful promise I am clinging to for Tage, Malachi 4:2.
So far God has used ladybugs, the color yellow, suns (Malachi 4:2), Nemo, and the giraffe, signs of His presence, and faithfulness. Of course we have the bible as our greatest resource of knowing God is at work in our lives. How is God communicating to you, and how are you responding/receiving Him?
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.
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