JULIE1 (life story)

THE TURNING POINT

Julie discovered that there was another dimension to living when she learned, through adversity, that God's way was better than her way. This is all about one of those times when God can take our misfortune, and use it for our good.

A shock

I was on top of the world when my first baby was born. I was feeling very proud of myself. I had everything, which included a nice young husband, a pretty little dream-home, and now a lovely little baby girl. Then, on the third day after she was born, the nurse came in and said, "Your baby has something wrong with her ankles!" Just like that! What a shock! "She's going to be disabled!" I thought. When I brought her home from the hospital, she had two huge plaster casts from her knees to her toes (and she was so tiny). Strangely, I had knitted two pair of long booties for the baby (because it was winter) and I kept these over the plasters and I didn't tell any of the neighbors about it. I kept it all inside myself because I didn't want them talking about it. I had to take her to a specialist who said the plasters were to stay on for three months.

Coming to the end of my self-sufficiency

All that time, I was living on my nerves, not knowing what the outcome would be. I kept 'up' until the plasters came off and the doctor at last told me that, with little corrective boots when she began to walk, my daughter's ankles would be all right. Only then, I started to collapse, and what a crash it was! I was severely depressed and had to go to my parents' place for a while. It was like a nightmare. I felt horrible, alone and lost, and in fact I had come to the end of my self-sufficiency.

He was there with me

Then, one day, as I was lying in the quiet of my mother's bedroom, the Lord came into my life! Two little choruses I had learnt at Sunday School came back to me.

'Wide, wide as the ocean,
High as the Heavens above,
Deep, deep as the deepest sea
Is my Saviour's love:
I, though so unworthy,
Still am a child of His care -
For His Word teaches me that
His love reaches me EVERYWHERE!'

I was as deep down as I had ever been in my life, but He was there with me …

And the second chorus said -
'Do you want a pilot?
Signal now for Jesus
Do you want a pilot?
Bid Him come on board,
For He will safely guide,
Across the ocean wide,
Until at last you reach the heavenly Harbour.'

And I knew then that I was going to need God's help for my life.

The turning point

That was the point at which I accepted Christ as my Saviour and Lord. I got up off that bed and looked into the Bible I knew was in my mother's drawer. I was soon able to go back home and take up my usual duties. From that time on I have gradually been growing closer to Him, and to all His strength, peace and joy.

Life hasn't been easy

I honestly say I haven't had an easy life. Jesus said, "In the world you will have trouble " ² and I've certainly had my share, but with His Word to guide me, and His Spirit beside and within me, He has brought me through. He has given me His Comfort and contentment.

No regrets

I have never regretted the decision I made that day when I placed my future in His wonderful Hands. Over the years, with His guidance and support, I've made some very hard decisions and overcome great difficulties. He has shown me the best way to live (and although I haven't always got it right); He has given me a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Being thankful,
Julie<sup>1

1</sup> This is not the person's real name
² John 16:33 (NEB)

Read Julie's poems on Christmas and Easter

Come to know Jesus

© 2005 Lynton Allan