Devotions: Pat Summitt - A Courageous Lady - Ecclesiastes 12:1

Ecclesiastes 12:1         Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"

Like everyone else in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was shocked yesterday to learn the sad news that our Lady Vols basketball coach has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Pat Summitt is a remarkable woman and an exceptionally talented coach. She has risen up from humble beginnings and is one of the most successful leaders in American College Sports. She is a fierce competitor and a magnificent teacher. Tennessee fans adore her and this news has rocked us all.

But Pat Summitt is a courageous person. Yesterday she went on television to broadcast the news to her fans everywhere, in order to personally tell them of her disease. As always, she did this with great dignity and resolve, letting her supporters, players, and team coaches know that she is determined to continue leading the basketball team, while fighting the disease that is progressing within her. In Pat’s words, she intends to do this “as long as the Good Lord is willing.”

I have no doubt that Pat Summitt will prevail. I am also certain that she will become an important spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. If ever a person was destined to become a national advocate to seek a cure for this devastating disease, Pat Summit is truly the one.  

Every true Tennessean and sports fan across the United States supports Pat in her new battle. And our prayers go with her in the hope that the Good Lord will extend her life and diminish this disease.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we pray for families everywhere who are experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s in their homes and among their loved ones. We ask that You will surround them with supportive and compassionate friends. We pray also for Pat Summitt and thank You for her bravery and tenacity. Grant her the strength that she needs to continue leading her team and give her many opportunities to advocate on behalf of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pat Summitt’s video announcing the news can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DsXfInhkF8

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is John’s Knoxville picture called “Sunsphere City.” It features the world famous Sunsphere which is situated in the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5095209018_cf3f00de0f_b.jpg

4 Minute Devotions: No Hesitation

Of all the kings in the Bible, I love Hezekiah the best. He’s under-rated when it comes to biblical kings, but he’s one of the most faithful characters that you’ll find in the good book. In a time when Israel and Judah were dabbling with apostasy and idolatry, Hezekiah is one of the few leaders not to be seduced by the sins of the people. And through his leadership, the Jews are given fifteen extra years to mend their ways before they are punished with exile.

Podcast version here

Bible Verse of the Day
2 Kings 20:10 "It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps," said Hezekiah. "Rather, have it go back ten steps."

I love this part when Isaiah asks him about getting a sign from the Lord. He doesn’t hesitate to ask for a hard sign. He wants real proof that God will do what God has promised, so he makes the task harder by asking for shadows to go backward against the sun’s motion, rather than follow their natural courses. It goes against the law of physics, but our God is an awesome God and in this case, He was really pleased with Hezekiah. The daylight comes and the shadow retreats. Isaiah fulfills the prophecy and Hezekiah is healed. It’s a remarkable moment and a strong testimony to the faithfulness of the old king.

We all ask God to help and heal us at times because we believe in God’s promises. We hope and pray for better things to happen in our lives because we have faith in God’s blessings. But sometimes God knows best and during those moments, it’s hard for us to accept that God will not answer our prayers. Old Hezekiah got fifteen extra years, but no more than that. When it came for his time to lie with his ancestors, God’s blessing was over.

You may be asking God for help today, or perhaps He’s already heard and answered your prayers. Don’t take Him for granted or forget to praise Him this Sunday. Hezekiah faithfully served God before and after his healing, and even faced down a powerful enemy who sought to conquer and enslave his people. It’s faith that counts in the midst of all our challenges – a faith that will last us throughout our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the example of Hezekiah and for the blessings that You gave him because of his faithfulness to You. Today, we may face challenges of our own, so we pray for Your presence, guidance, and help to overcome our fears and worries. Be with us in all that we hope to accomplish. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.