A few days ago, a friend of ours passed away. She had Asperger’s syndrome. One of the things I learned recently from a friend is that people who do not get the medication they need for this developmental disorder often end up self-medicating, which often leads to addiction. She went to our church for a few years and seemed to be doing good, but then had some problems. Her mother died; she had financial problems, became depressed, etc. The enemy tried to bring offense, fear, etc. She stopped coming to church for probably a year or so. We continued to reach out to them, helping them with their car repairs, etc. and just recently she started coming to church again.
We had our homecoming service and dinner after church on Sunday. She sat at the same table with us and we had pleasant conversation. I could see the light in her eyes again and the joy of the Lord on her face. She was restored to how she used to be before all the bad stuff happened.
On Monday, we received the news that she had passed away. We went to see her husband and child and he said that she had left the Bible open to Psalm 46, which says:
God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning]. The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire. Let be and be still and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! AMP
This is such a good Psalm and I praise the Lord that although our friend may have lost a few battles, I believe she won the war. I believe that she was restored in her sense of faith and trust in the Lord and is now rejoicing before His throne, no more struggle or pain, only peace and joy. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.
I just want to encourage those who are praying for a loved one or friend who may be struggling with addiction that God is faithful. Sometimes we just have to put them on the altar and give them to the Lord, continue to pray, but rest in the Lord and trust in His faithfulness. God bless you all.
In Christ ~ Kelly Rowe
A Deeper Walk 