In His Hand
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
by
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At this writing, two weeks ago, my daughter Julie died. Even though my heart is broken and full of grief, more painful than I could have imagined, I see that the Lord had equipped us long ago for this tragedy. It seems that my life, the lives of my family members and friends, were planted with everything we needed before this happened.
There were so many amazing things that the Lord did between Julie’s car wreck and now, and many more that I know He will do. I knew He wanted me to write them down for others.
But, in my grief I couldn’t bring myself to do more than make a list of His loving kindness and His wonders. How can I write when I can’t look ahead five minutes from now? How can I do something that has always brought me joy when my daughter is no longer on this earth? I kept telling myself that I should wait until the pain eases or I can bear it – if that ever comes.
Last night a dear sister in Christ (who I had not shared with that I couldn’t write) sent me a message. She said that while praying for me the Lord impressed upon her to tell me to write. He kept giving her that urgency throughout the day. Hoping that I would understand what that meant, she was obedient and told me.
I cried as I read her message, and I put that very kindness from Him at the top of my list to write about. What a faithful sisters and brothers in Christ I have, and what gentle kindness the Lord shows to me!
Now that I am also being obedient, I can see something I hadn’t seen before. Our gifts not only bless the body of Christ but they are for our survival. Gifts are to be used even in tragedy and suffering. We can probably say they should especially be used in those times.
Think about it. When are we most thankful for water? When in a place where there is no water. Everything important means more to us when we go through suffering.
The important thing for me, is remembering the presence of the Holy Spirit each moment. I can’t take a breath or a step without seeking Him right now. It is only by His leading and comfort that we can continue to use our gifts even when we are broken in grief.
Over the next, however long it takes; I’ll write for you what the Lord has done. Even though we know how much He cares for us, I pray you’ll know Him a little better through these writings, and that you’ll love Him much more after each one.
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About the Book
Phyllis saw the thread that the Lord had woven through her life—a thread of His faithfulness and strength to uphold her in the worst tragedy she could imagine.
All of this led to His calling for her to write and speak about His compassionate love for His children.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21–23)
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." (Job 19:25)
About the Author
Phyllis Keels is an award-winning author and a woman after God’s own heart. A proclaimer of God’s truth, whether writing or speaking, Phyllis’s words bring our heavenly Father’s tender love to the brokenhearted.
Having been a writer for over twenty years, Phyllis always felt like she had something to say about the Lord’s goodness. But after the sudden death of her daughter in 2011, Phyllis knew that she must proclaim all that the Lord has done for her.
Since then, Phyllis has maintained two blogs and has developed a class to help writers discover and use their God-given gift of writing. She teaches others how the Holy Spirit still speaks through writers.
It was from those blogs that her book, In His Hand, was born.
By writing about the miracles God has done for her, Phyllis hopes others may see for themselves that the Lord is faithful. She proclaims our heavenly Father’s promise that He is near to the brokenhearted.
Phyllis lives in North Carolina.