A day I’ll never forget

Daniel 1:5-6 “The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank.  They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.  Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.”

August 9, 2013 is a day I’ll never forget.  I was unfortunately the victim of a stoke, and my life drastically changed that day.  Praise  God I have recovered much in a relatively short amount of time due to God’s provision of many doctors, occupational, physical, and speech therapists.  This past week was huge for me because I resumed some of my responsibilities with the 25 Project.  I am nervous, but also excited.

Today in my devotional time, the Lord had me studying Daniel 1.  We all know the story of Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack and Abendego.   These men refused to eat the king’s food and were rewarded.  The notes in my Bible stated that the king provided them the food to systematically destroy their reliance on God and teach them to instead rely on the king.  It occurred to me as I was reading, that in all reality, I am no different than the men I was reading about in Daniel.

Thankfully today, I am almost completely recovered.  God has allowed these last couple of months to happen to remind me of my great need for Him.  In fact we all need Him.  I’m so grateful God still has plans for me and that includes speaking normally, walking normally and using my right hand normally.  But even if He didn’t bring be back 100%, I’m confident that He could still use me.  And that goes for all of us!

Having a willing spirit along with a commitment to respond to His call in obedience no matter what He asks is the privilege for all followers of Christ.  God uses us when we are yielded to Him, ready and willing to respond in obedience to whatever He asks.  So, let me ask you today if you are willing? Could it mean giving, going to the DR or Sierra Leone &/or praying for us.  Are you willing?

Aaron Manley

Aaron with SL Child