Have things happened to you and you wonder why me and/or why now? When you are having troubles do you want it to hurry and end? Our trials are meant to help us grow in knowledge. We need to be praying during these times for God to help us learn from the trial such as stated in James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Do your actions glorify God especially during times of trials? It is said in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (NKJV). Shouldn’t we do the same?
A friend has a granddaughter named Kaylene who went through a major trial in her young life. A few years ago, I followed Kaylene’s story. This young lady clearly walks the walk and not just talks the talk of being a Christian.
Kaylene is someone that should not be alive today by medical standards. On June 30, 2018, Kaylene and some friends were rock climbing in Montana. While climbing, a six foot slab of rock fell from above Kaylene, severing portions of her arm and leg and striking her head. She had a brain hemorrhage, a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken scapula, a broken sternum, a broken back, a broken nose, a severed left hand and leg, a dissected vein in her neck and little to no blood pressure when she was flown to the hospital. She flatlined several times while in the Emergency Room. She was stabilized and in a coma when moved to ICU. The doctors did not think she would live very long. The family quickly put out a call for prayers for Kaylene.
In James 5:16 we read the following: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (NKJV). The family knew if it banded together in prayer for Kaylene, that the Lord would hear and hopefully it would be His will to heal Kaylene. 1 John 5:14 states: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (NKJV).
A few days later Kaylene surprised the medical staff. She did not just come out of her coma, but she came out of it with a very broad smile. They kept asking her why she was so happy, especially with losing some limbs and her other trauma. Remember we are told in Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” (NKJV). Kaylene, without hesitation, stated she was happy to be alive and it was God’s will.
In James 1:2-4: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (NKJV). Kaylene knew God was with her and would help her through her trials. Kaylene was in the hospital from the end of June to mid August. During that time of healing she always had a positive outlook which helped her to quickly heal and learn items we take for granted. Since Kaylene was without her left arm and leg, she had to learn how to stand, walk, sit in a car, step off a curb or down stairs, etc. using her new prosthetic limbs. Each activity she had to learn she did with a smile on her face and willing to work as hard as needed, never stopping.
As Kaylene went through these trials, pictures and writings would be posted on Facebook so that family and friends could follow along. Kaylene gave an interview with Helena Independent Record newspaper, Dec. 25, 2018, issue and stated, “That’s the main thing I’ve wanted to happen from this: That God would be glorified and that other people would be encouraged from my story. That’s made it a little bit better.”
Kaylene has touched many lives directly and indirectly while glorifying God. She definitely has been an influence to so many that when fund raisers were held, the money raised would exceed the initial goals and receive many comments of thanks for the encouragement she gives to us all. We must be sure we are letting our light shine and salting (influencing) as many as possible such as it states in Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV). Does your light shine? Do your actions glorify God?
Kaylene continued to improve by relying on her faith in God and seeking His will for her. She has used her experience to help others that have suffered disabilities due to accidents, giving them hope. Kaylene even returned to rock climbing.
So when we are going through trials/troubles we need to reach out to others so they can help raise us up in prayer and we need to seek His will and His wisdom. After our troubles we need to share what we learned with others that are going through the same trial we went through and through everything making sure we are glorifying God!
We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life, but we can control how we respond. Many struggles come as problems and pressures that sometimes cause pain. Others come as temptations, trials, and tribulations.— L. Lionel Kendrick
[Source for article: Prayers for Kaylene Murphy Facebook page]
