Darryl Rutland works for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Tuscumbia. He is also a "cowboy". He owns and operates a small cattle farm in Red Rock. Darryl always looks for opportunities to be better. Before he makes any decision he carefully weighs his options. He is a no-nonsense man. He likes to have fun, but he never does anything "half-way". Darryl will research, plan, and negotiate before he begins any project. Whether it is building a professional home made Smoker or maintaining healthy muscadine vines, he is going to find the best approach. He is a "Do-It-Yourself" man! Pam, his wife, is supportive and trusting. She knows that if Darryl is planning a project ... everything will be just fine!
I was in the copying room at Red Rock's church building. Class was about to begin and I wanted everyone to have a copy of some material. Darryl walked into the room. In his matter of fact way he said, "My sister, Carla, has just been diagnosed with cancer." He loves his sister very much. This young man who always seemed to be able to find the answer to solve all the problems, was feeling hopeless. After he told me the bitter news and the grim prognosis, I said, "Darryl, let's ask God to heal her." I know, on an intellectual level, that Darryl understood that God is real and that He is Almighty. I know, on an emotional level, that Darryl wanted his sister to get well. That day, I witnessed Darryl operate on a spiritual level! He surrendered himself to God. In effect, he said, "God, I can't, but you can!"
That has been over ten years ago! Carla has had a rough time with treatments, hospital stays, and lots of pain and suffering. In spite of all this, she has smiled broadly, loved deeply, and appreciated all the special events in life that she was blessed to have seen! Darryl understands the truth found in Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, ..."!! God has gotten glory for His Name by answering prayers for Carla. What will I ask God to do today to give Himself an opportunity to Glorify Himself? Remember God can, when we can't!
I was in the copying room at Red Rock's church building. Class was about to begin and I wanted everyone to have a copy of some material. Darryl walked into the room. In his matter of fact way he said, "My sister, Carla, has just been diagnosed with cancer." He loves his sister very much. This young man who always seemed to be able to find the answer to solve all the problems, was feeling hopeless. After he told me the bitter news and the grim prognosis, I said, "Darryl, let's ask God to heal her." I know, on an intellectual level, that Darryl understood that God is real and that He is Almighty. I know, on an emotional level, that Darryl wanted his sister to get well. That day, I witnessed Darryl operate on a spiritual level! He surrendered himself to God. In effect, he said, "God, I can't, but you can!"
That has been over ten years ago! Carla has had a rough time with treatments, hospital stays, and lots of pain and suffering. In spite of all this, she has smiled broadly, loved deeply, and appreciated all the special events in life that she was blessed to have seen! Darryl understands the truth found in Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, ..."!! God has gotten glory for His Name by answering prayers for Carla. What will I ask God to do today to give Himself an opportunity to Glorify Himself? Remember God can, when we can't!