03/27/2023
Sally McClung is the widow of Floyd McClung a well know leader in the Youth With A Mission organization. She lives in South Africa and writes updates about her journey with the Lord as a career missionary and her own battles with cancer, grief and trusting God. Transparent and vulnerable, she is a wonderful encouragement to many.
Update from Sally, March 21, 2023
Dear Praying Friends,
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have suffered in the Turkey/Syria earthquake. I can't begin to imagine the horror of it all. Some stories have begun to come out, however, that are very encouraging. Both journalists and aid workers have said that many of those rescued reported having a "man in white" come to them with food and water. Some said that he lifted the concrete off of them to protect them. I worshipped and thanked the Lord when I read these reports.
It made me think of all the instances when I knew the Lord was with me during these recent difficult years - especially when Floyd was in the hospital. I never saw a "man in white," but I felt the Lord's presence with me time and time again. There were a couple times when I felt His loving arms around me - supporting me, caring for me, strengthening me. I couldn't have made it on my own.
I'll never forget the day early on when Floyd was in ICU and was going to have surgery. The doctor said he probably wouldn't survive the surgery, but without it he would surely die. I told the surgeon I was praying for a miracle. Hours later - much longer than the surgery was supposed to be - the surgeon came out and told our family. "You might have had your miracle! When we went in to operate, the things that had been viewed on the scan and MRI were no longer there. There was nothing for us to do." They called in the radiologist and asked him if he could explain what had happened. They thought he had messed up in taking the scans.
That was just one of so many experiences of seeing God's hand at work. On days when I'm asking for fresh answers to prayer, I find it helpful to remember what He's done in the past. Hearing of the "man in white" from the earthquake rescues is also a wonderful reminder than God is with us in our difficulties and intervenes in impossible ways. We're never alone!
"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner." 1 Peter 4:12,13 The Message
Honestly, I have a hard time thinking of how my suffering relates to the suffering that Christ endured. But I do know that I have a choice of how to go through my suffering - moaning, groaning and complaining......or keeping my eyes on Him and worshipping Him. My choice makes all the difference!
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, not destroyed. Yes, we go through hard times - trials, sickness, weakness, suffering.....but it's not a defeat. God is always, always, always with us to help us through those times. It's good to call to mind how He's helped us in the past!!
Love,
Sally
