Devotionals
WHAT IF?
My mother was past the age when women usually give birth, and in poor health when I was conceived. Had she opted for an abortion, I would not be jotting down these recollections. Thus introducing the inquiry, “What if?”
For some inexplicable reason, I as a child crouched down in the water over my head. There I remained, until my father lifted me in his arms. Otherwise, I would have presumably drowned. Incidently, this was the only time that I have had an out of body experience.
Being rather large for my age, I was not as a rule subjected to bullying. However, I would on occasion come to the aid of someone more vulnerable. Consequently, my mother was genuinely concerned that I might be injured. So that on one occasion she threatened to kill me if I did not stop fighting, not that I took this literally.
I left for military service the day after my eighteenth birthday. This was during World War II. My mother had the premonition that I would not return from overseas deployment. Many did not, although obviously I was not among them.
I had previously been accepted for the Maritime Academy, but would have had to wait a year for admittance. Otherwise, I might have served in the merchant marine. Not that this especially appeals to me in retrospect.
Instead, I opted for cadet training. This was discontinued early on for reasons that seemed unlikely. So that I subsequently served as a radar technician. It was not a line of work I felt especially adept in, although it transferred as a minor in electrical physics for my college requirements.
While in the military, I decided to follow Jesus. My priorities strikingly changed as a result. Nor have I had second thoughts. Thus bringing to mind the lyrics of my favorite gospel chorus, “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”
I subsequently felt impressed to study for the ministry. During the interim, I had capable mentors. Were this not the case, the results would assuredly have been different. Recalling again the inquiry, “What if?”
Joan and I were married during my last year in seminary. We subsequently had five children, fifteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. I would have been hard pressed without her able assistance and affectionate support. Nor be blessed by our offspring.
I felt especially fulfilled in my pastoral duties. In graphic terms, it was a privilege to shepherd the flock. Although this was not always an easy task, but one in which I experienced God’s enabling and sufficient grace.
My role as an instructor then seemed a logical extension of my pastoral obligations. Which gave rise to the observation of one of my students, “You teach like a preacher.” Namely, in that I was given to exhortation.
Then, too, publication appeared a logical extension of my teaching vocation. This has resulted in over fifty print and/or electronic texts, and about 450 articles. This would no doubt seem incredible to one of my professors who asked if English was my second language.
Life has been threatened on various occasions. For instance, lightening struck while my companions and I were descending a mountain ridge. Those with me were thrown to the ground, so I alone was left standing. Even so, none of us were injured. Others have not been so fortunate.
I have also had several critical health problems. Nevertheless, I have retained good health for the most part, which has allowed me to remain active over the years. When inhibited, it has been for a relatively short period of time.
If the above had varied in some way, my journey to the celestial city could have been greatly altered. As it is, I have cause for rejoicing. Along with anticipation for that which remains. In conclusion, “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 450 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Morris Inch or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 450 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.