I never thought I was a stranger to weakness.
Plenty of days find me inadequate for the task at hand. Weary. Wanting. But I’m pretty good at MacGyvering a solution. My fingers know the feel of my own bootstraps.
But this week, this day, and the utter and abject helplessness I’m feeling is a whole new thing. It’s like before ALS, Steve had weak days or sick days or unmotivated days, but he couldn’t possibly know how it felt to live inside a body whose muscles had called it quits. He constantly finds new tricks to get his arm to move his hand to lift his fingers to scratch his nose. Now he knows true weakness and all other weak days look powerful in comparison.
Forgive the analogy, because I know that Steve’s struggle cannot be compared to my struggle, but this is me today. This is what I mean when I honestly admit: I have no strength for this. I have no more tricks up my sleeve. I’ve swept the corners of my trembling soul for any remaining crumbs of grit or gumption and I’ve come up empty.
Maybe my own feeble condition is not news to you, but it came as quite a shock to me yesterday, as I struggled through a morning at work. Struggled to stay focused and keep moving. That’s when I realized: I’ve never been here before. I’ve been an ALS wife for three years, but I’ve never been to this level of Without. Never needed Jesus more. Never loved sorrow less. Never faced a giant this foul and foreboding and I am turning over the couch cushions searching desperately for five smooth stones or three or even just a shoe to throw at him and….nothing.
Here’s where I tie this all together with something spiritually significant, right? This is the part where I tell you how I found just the right verse and I used a gum wrapper and paper clip to connect it to my heart and I am READY to face surgery in Portland. This is where I say, Bring It ALS! you got nothin’ on me!
Except it’s not. Because when I said I have no tricks up my sleeve for facing the road ahead, I meant it. No tricks. The past three years have sapped my strength, but the past week? I can’t even explain it.
So I’m walking into the biggest week of our lives in my weakest condition ever. And I’m not feeling guilty about that or even sad, really. I think this is where I get to live for a bit and I also think this is where you come in, because we were never meant to be strong enough to fight alone. Would you pray for me? Pray that in my weakness, He will become abundantly, outrageously strong? That He will be my hope and health, my sigh and song. That in my role as Steve’s advocate, I would have ears to hear the whispers of His voice and the courage to obey it.
Pray for Steve. He is feeling good and – ironically – strong. Pray that his breathing will be supernaturally sustained through the surgery and that his heart will be held in grace.
Pray for our kids. They are hurting.
We love you more than words can say – those we know and those we don’t who make up the Army of Awesome that has fought for us all these years. We are in your debt and will join your army immediately should you ever need one.
And now to the One who is able to keep us from falling: endless, eternal praise.
With hope,
Bo
P.S. I SO believe in the power of the Word of God – so if YOU have a verse you feel would encourage us today and tomorrow, would you be so kind as to write it out in the comments and I will read them to Steve before we go to sleep tonight? Please write the verse out and not just the reference. THANK YOU for loaning us your sling shot and your arsenal.
Praying for you…Is 43:1-3
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
Aw Shelly – first verse in the comments and already I’m crying and feeling His grace. This is the best idea I’ve ever had!! I love you – Bo
Psalm 37:18 – The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
2 Timothy 1:9-14
New International Version (NIV)
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Sometimes He comes in on a white horse.
Sometimes He just walks quietly alongside. And sighs. And weeps.
I love you. I am praying.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NLT)
I have no wise words. But I can pray. may you experience afresh what it means to be “carried” by the Father. love you all so much.
A verse didn’t come to mind but a song did. Praying for you. Praying for Steve. Praying for your kids.
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me x3
On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death and in life I’m confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there’s nothing that can separate my heart from your great love
Praying unceasingly today.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 24:8 – Who is this King of Glory? The Lord Strong and Mighty, The Lord invincible in battle…
Exodus 14:14 – The Lord (strong, mighty and invincible) will fight for you – you need only to be still ; )
We love you dearly – are praying non-stop for you
Job 33:4
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”…praying that the Almighty Himself would be breathing through Steve during his surgery, and that your breath would be slowed and calmed by His Spirit, as well.
The story of the parting of the Red Sea has been brought to my mind over and over again this past week and I finally found the verse The Lord had impressed on me to believe for you and your family. Psalm 20:7 “Somer trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of The Lord our God.” It doesn’t matter who is in charge of Steve’s body tomorrow, all the technology available and the wonderful facility he will be in……I am trusting in The Lord to be over all of that and make it all work together for Steve’s good knowing that The Lord has him in the palm of His Hand. And this is for you and your children too. Just rest in Him and His abilities today and tomorrow and in the days ahead. As I read the whole chapter 20 I realized it is all for you. So here it is……
“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. Save, Lord ! May the King answer us when we call.” (Psalms 20:1-9 NKJV) Love you all and holding your arms up in prayer as you fight this battle. Hug each other for me!!! Susan (AKA Sue….to you)
Is. 58:8
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Behind and before, you guys are hemmed in, held, covered, carried by His love and faithfulness….we love and care deeply beyond words! The Wolfe fam.
Isaiah 41:9-10
New International Version (NIV)
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Covering you and your family in prayer, love and hugs. Thank you for sharing even in your weakness. Know it helps to makes you stronger as well as it does us. I have always hated the saying that the Lord wont give us more than we can handle…He will and thats okay because that is when we lean into and reach out to him. Praying for joy to fill your day and heart!
love dee
Oh Bo ~ We have been praying for exactly those desires of your heart all along. We have not left Steve, you or the kids for one moment. Michigan prayers have been with you for 3 years and still continue!
Isaiha 26:3-4 3You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Love you guys!
Charlie & Karla
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“May the Lord be praised,
for He has heard the sound of my pleading.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I praise Him with my song.
The Lord is the strength of His people;
He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.” Psalm 28:6-8
I am praying for your family daily, believing that a miraculous God will reveal Himself in all manner of miraculous and impossible ways to you all as He sees what you need and supplies generously.
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:9-10
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary” – King David, Psalm 63:1-2
David, echos loudly right up front POWER, “O God, thou art my God” look what he is seeking…. “To see thy power and thy glory” We know you are EARNESTLY seeking. May you see – find – experience thy power and thy glory! Go God! Loving you and Steve!
Psalm 18:2-3
The Lord is my fort where I can enter and be safe; no one can follow me in and slay me. He is a rugged mountain where I hide; he is my Savior, a rock where none can reach me, and a tower of safety. He is my shield. He is like the strong horn of a mighty fighting bull. All I need to do is cry to him—oh, praise the Lord—and I am saved from all my enemies!
Praying for you and your family . . .
Dear Bo & Steve,
We did pray for you and your family at devotions today and will continue to hold you up before our mighty God.
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”
You are not alone. God is with you and is going before you. He is Good, He is loving, He is powerful, He knows every detail, He is in control, He has a plan and you can trust him no matter what. And when your strength is gone, He will carry you.
We love you both.
Psalm 139:13-18 (NLT) “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me!”
Nehemiah 4:17
King James version
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, EVERYONE with one of his hands wrought the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
Personal Paraphrase:
We are in this together. We will build around you and hold weapons of warfare against the enemy who brings discouragement and fear.
We have plenty of shoes….and we WILL throw them.
Bo, I know you only from your blog posts and from your time on the stage at church. I haven’t had the privilege of knowing you personally or even getting the opportunity to meet your husband. However through your sermons, and your blogs, I can feel your hurt. I read this post, I started with the PS and then went back to read it in depth before I could even finish reading this Poem came to find for you.
“One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.
This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.
The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.
Carolyn Carty, 1963”
This came to mind because of this portion “my precious, precious child I love you and I would never leave yo! During your times of Trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
You are at your Weakest and God is carrying you it doesn’t seem like it feel like it or even look like it right now but you already know that much.
The bible verse that comes to mind is Just Psalm 46:10 “be still and know that I am God” I know it is not the greatest verse and the last hing you want to hear right now is be calm and be still but this is the verse that came to mind.
We are praying for your family.
Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea,your way through the mighty waters,though your footprints were not seen.
And the whole psalm!
Gods glory is shining through your weakness. His strength is made perfect.
This passage has encouraged me so much in different times of my life and I was reminded of it again last night. It gives me chills sometimes when I read it. Joshua 1:5-9 “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Just want to say I’m praying for you guys and grieving too. We don’t go to Westside anymore but I know of your family, have babysat your grandson in the nursery, and Steve dedicated our daughter five years ago when she was an infant. It’s hard to see this disease affecting you all. Your words have been such an encouragement. Thanks for sharing.
“If The Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Ps. 94:17-19.
Love you, Bo. Love you, Steve. Love you, Whitney and Corey and Grey and Victoria and Tess and Josiah. More than words can say.
Ps 23 (AMP)
1 The Lord is Steve and Bo’s Shepherd ( to feed, guide, and shield them), Steve and Bo shall not lack.
2 He makes Steve and Bo lie down in ( fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads and guides Steve and Bo beside still and restful waters.
3 He refreshes and restores Steve and Bo’s life; He leads them in paths of righteousness ( uprightness and right standing with Him-not for their earning it, but) for His names sake.
4 Yes, though Steve and Bo walk through the (deep, sunless) valley of the shadow of death, Steve and Bo will fear no evil, for You are with them; Your rod ( to protect) and Your staff ( to guide), will comfort them.
5 You prepare a table before Steve and Bo in the presence of their enemies. You anoint their heads with oil; their (brimming) cup runs over.
6 Surely or only goodness , mercy, and unfailing love shall follow Steve and Bo all their days of life, and through their days the house of The Lord (and His presence) shall be their dwelling place.
“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is YOU who watch over my way.” Psalm 142:3
This song is one I listen to when I am “tapped out”! How he loves me.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps
Praying for each of you in the next few days.
Julie Creek
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God and I will praise him–my father’s God and I will exalt him!
My prayers are with both of you – God will sustain you!
Bo,
I go to bed thinking and praying for you and Steve and the kids. I wake up thinking and praying for you all. But I am forever grateful that not a second escapes God watch, care, comfort and love for you all. He is ever-present to fill the depleted storehouse.
I read and underlined this, this morning:
God’s love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdict oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.
How exquisite your love, O God!
How eager we are to run under your wings.
To eat our fill at the banquet you spread
as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water,
You’re a fountain of cascading light,
and you open our eyes to light.
Psalm 36: 5-9
The Lord touches my heart through you, even though I don’t know you. I’m praying for you, Steve, and your sweet family. Isaiah 41:10 says, so do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Bo,
I went on a walk in this beautiful spring yesterday and cried about 3/4 of the time … sometimes from the sheer beauty and sometimes from the ache of grief. Such a mysterious alchemy of grace. As I walked and cried I prayed for you and Steve. This is the song that came both for me and for you. I am praying for you both this week – both at your prompting and at Holy Spirit’s prompting. You are much loved.
http://youtu.be/722zPX1npcA
NEVER ONCE – by Matt Redman
Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us
Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Is Your power in us
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG Paraphrase)
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”
Love you, Steve, Tori, Whitney, Corey, Tess, and Josiah so much. Prayers and thoughts are with you all day long.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
I want to say, just yesterday, I was thanking a woman in my book club for passing around your book: Beautiful Battlefields. It has not only saved my life, but I have given it to others that say it affected them the same way. This lady says her daughter’s family knows your family and we talked about your struggles and prayed. This was just yesterday, and today, I find your prayer request on my page. I just wanted you and your husband know there is power and strength around you, around the world, that you don’t even know is going on. May God bless you, and give you peace!
an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Proverbs 24:26
I couldn’t pick just 1 –So here is some ‘honest’ (I hope it helps)
“..God always goes ahead and provides what we need so that we never have to go alone…..” Beautiful Battlefields —
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
And finally, a friend once told me: the safest place in the world you can be is IN THE MIDDLE OF GODS GOOD GRACE! And that is exactly where you and your family are. Jesus, I don’t know what to pray for or what to do and I know you do! MAY GOD BLESS and Keep your family — AMEN!!!
Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord , the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(Bo: Your Mother shared with me last night about today … tomorrow …. My heart is full & overflowing for you-ALL — and all I know to do is PRAY & FIGHT on your behalf. Whether you see it or not, the ARMY is around you! — Mim)
I hope you get to hug a baby today. Or some sort of small child. They are little bundles of prayer, sunshine, energy and strength. I realize this seems kinda silly, but as I was reading this my little jack came up to me and gave me the biggest smile. He has no idea what big people go through or the weakness you are facing but his smile seemed to be “just right”. So here’s to hoping a precious baby or child sees you and smiles 🙂
Psalms 84:5-7 Living Bible “Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessings and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow constantly in strenght and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion.”
“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.” Deut. 28:7
Emmanuel . . . Brenda Fast
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Do you know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Sorry Bo I forgot to add in my scripture:
Is 43:1-3
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.
Isaiah 24:13-16
There shall be a remnant preserved from the general ruin, and it shall be a devout and pious remnant. These few are dispersed; like the gleanings of the olive tree, hid under the leaves. The Lord knows those that are his; the world does not. When the mirth of carnal worldlings ceases, the joy of the saints is as lively as ever, because the covenant of grace, the fountain of their comforts, and the foundation of their hopes, never fails. Those who rejoice in the Lord can rejoice in tribulation, and by faith may triumph when all about them are in tears. They encourage their fellow-sufferers to do likewise, even those who are in the furnace of affliction. Or, in the valleys, low, dark, miry places. In every fire, even the hottest, in every place, even the remotest, let us keep up our good thoughts of God. If none of these trials move us, then we glorify the Lord in the fires.- commentary on Isaiah 24
Dear Bo & Steve.
Out of time this morning to “verse” you, but you are on my heart… So I’m praying today and commenting this evening. Love you all so very much…. Cathy : For the Turks
Romans 8:39
No power in the sky above or in the earth below–indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bo- You, Steve, and your family are in my heart and prayers. Here is what the Lord gave me for you: Psalm 27:
“The Lord is my light and salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me, to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing; yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear O Lord when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me and answer me. When you said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face Lord, I will seek,” Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me. Teach me Your way O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen your heart; Wait I say on the Lord!
2Corinthians 12: 9-10
He has said, “My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them–in order that Christ’s power may overshadow me. In fact, I will rejoice in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, injuries, and distresses for-for Christ’s sake: for WHEN I AM WEAK,THEN I AM STRONG! You know that wehe we are weak in ourselves then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (whether we FEEL it or NOT). Receive His strength and KNOW that HE IS IN CONTROL.
Do not grieve, The JOY of the Lord IS your strength! Nehemiah 8:10. Do not lose your JOY. God says it is your STRENGTH! Philippians 4:4 commands REJOICE! Rejoice ALWAYS. That will give you joy for the day, for the hour, for the moment! Joy gives you strength to continue the good fight.
Isaiah 12:2-3 Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the LORD, is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation. WITH JOY YOU WILL DRAW WATER FROM THE WELLS OF SALVATION. Remember the WELLS of salvation include healing, prosperity, soundness of mind. You need JOY to keep you strong to draw from these wonderful wells.
Exodus 12:17 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.
We will be holding you up through sunset and beyond. God has been faithful to put you on my heart so much…thats a reminder to me to pray and a reminder to you of how much God loves you, to trust little ole’ me to pray for you. Love you all so much friend.
Bo, I don’t know you, but am good friends with Shelly and have kept up with your story through her. Wish you could feel the hug that comes with this verse (so familiar, but so, so true…) – Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability and for allowing us to do what the body of Christ was meant to do. – Jana Jarvis
A Pilgrim Song
121 1-2 I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won’t let you stumble,
your Guardian God won’t fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel’s
Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God’s your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.
“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” Psalm 18:32-36
♥
I am forever awed how God loves each of us so thoroughly. Then i remind myself that He alone is God. But it dawned on me as i was sobbing in His presence that he cares and feels each person’s sorrow to that same degree. How could He bear that? But he is God. “Love never fails” 1 Corinthians 13:8a. God is love. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 Let God care FOR you. He can bear the pain and sorrow and anxiety much better. Know His heart doesn’t hurt any less than yours.
Adding my prayers and love…
Bo & Steve
My ‘go to’ chapter –
Ps. 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restoreth my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever. Amen.
We are gathering the Idaho Team Stern for concentrated prayer tomorrow for you both and kids.
Love you!
Joyce T.
Our family is praying for you! Our kids pray for Steve every night before bed and have been for months now. His Grace is sufficient for you and His power made perfect in your weakness! Love, The Earwickers
Praying specifically for you, Bo, that you will find sleep and physical restoration (maybe some great food?) as dear brother Elijah did in the wilderness. 1 Kings 19! Indeed, the journey is too great for you. Somehow, take in. It is not selfish. It is essential.
Take a minute to do what nourishes you.
Bo,Steve and Family I have been following your blogs the whole time we have been with YWAM here in Hawaii. My heart and prayers have been going out to you as you navigate this difficult journey.
This is the Scripture I want to share with you from Joshua 1:5-9,12
“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the rifht or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you ay be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. The Lord your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.”
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Although this isn’t scripture, and as I think about your family, the word “embrace” would not leave my mind. I would like to share a poem that I found:
GOD’S EMBRACE
I felt the arms of God
wrap around me today
while I was on my knees
before I began to pray.
He held me close to Him
as I poured my heart out
I felt His warm embrace
encircle my gripping doubt.
He took me into His arms
and I rested there for a while
until my soul was reassured
He’d see me through this trial.
I felt a gentle squeeze
somewhere deep in my heart
and soon all of my worries
began to vanish and depart.
I’m not sure how long He held me
nor how long in His arms I was there
but when I rose to leave
I had not a worry or a care!
Your family is on our hearts!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
“I will give you the treasures of darkness
and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
the God of Israel, who call you by your name.”
Isaiah 45:3
Praying the treasure he has for you in this darkness will line your pockets with strength in abundance.
I’ve got alerts set so that I take hard breaks through the day to pray for you, Steve, and your dear kids. Sending hugs!
For this I know, Those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. But, here’s the kicker and the directive. Teach me Lord to wait!. We love you vicariously through Jesus and Joe and Lila. We are praying like crazy for you! God wins… he always wins.
The verse that was my strength and continues to comfort me when it all seems to be too much..lots of versions..the words from the Message bible have spoken to me the clearest. Isaiah 30:15. “Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me”.
We pray for your SWEET family every.single.night. We pray for overwhelming peace and that God wraps His arms around all of you – tightly. Numbers 6:26 “May the Lord turn his face to you and give you PEACE.” XO
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:25-26)
This I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
and therefore I will wait for Him.”
Though He brings grief, He will show compassion,
so great is His unfailing love.
for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
(Lamentations 3:21-24; 32-33)
I called on Your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit.
You heard my plea:
“Do not close Your ears to my cry for relief.”
You came near when I called You, and You said,
“Do not fear.”
(Lamentations 3:55-57)
My husband and I are praying for your family.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see
the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord.
Be strong and let your heart take courage.
Psalm 27:13-14
Praying throughout this day and most.
Hello Father, thank you for being here with us today, hearing our requests. I don’t have to tell you about Steve and his beautiful family. You so knew each and everyone of them before they were conceived. And I know that you oh Sovreign Lord can see the whole picture of their lives. Today this family is walking in hope faith and trust of you conceding Steve’s operation to insert a feeding tube in him. A operation that can have life threatening results. So I am asking in Jesus name that when the surgeon begins this procedure your Holy Spirit will take over every thing in that surgical room, every person that will be doing something for the surgeon and STEVE concerning this operation . Remove in Jesus name any negative spirits including the spirit of death from that room. Cast them into the most arid places of this world never to return ever again. Anoint everyone with the spirit of truth. The troth of your word which tells us you will give us whatever we prAy for if we ask with the right motives. From our perspective what better motive is there than asking for your grace and protection and healing on Steve, a true servant of yours! Please do not let satan rob us of someone who bless us in spirit and truth. Help the family to have the strength to stand during this time of testing. Give them many times Jesus with skin on. In the name of your son and for Your glory, AMEN!
Romans 8:39
New International Version (NIV)
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our family near and far are praying in abundance for all of you! Love you all!
I have not been able to get this verse out of my head and heart all weak, may it bless you! Strangers praying for you and your family.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen in eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Crying, praying and holding on to hope for each of you.
A few of my favorites (clearly I find a lot of comfort in the Psalms)… I will be praying them over the Sterns and Parnells:
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. –Psalm 34:4
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. –Psalm 46:2
In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. –Psalm 18:6
He heard my voice. My cry to Him reached his ears. I can’t get enough of that. Love you guys…
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Praying you will find strength in this valley. You and Steve will be blessed for persevering under trial!! Your story and your strength and love for God is inspiring!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 RSV
My prayer for you (and all of us on this road) is for peace, mercy, and an unwavering hope.
Psalm 71:1-8, 12, 14
In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
Jesus love me this I know…I am weak but He is strong.You got it when it comes to prayers for you Steve and kids and love and prayers by the thousands.
Praying for you Bo, Praying for Steve, Praying for everyone. Your friends stand by you and if you don’t have any stones for the enemy we will come with all the stones we can find (and/or shoes too!)
Isaiah 61:3 (my go-to verse)
and to provide for those who grieve in Zion –
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called the oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
He is good and let your friends be your strength. We love you.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light: With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:28-29
Thinking and praying for you, Steve,and your precious family.
Bo, this morning the Lord woke me up with your family on my heart and in my mind. instantly I remembered Steve’s sermon on a Saturday night when he spoke about when he put his foot down on the floor, what HIs first thoughts were and how his day would start. so I started my day on my knees praying for your family, that was a first for me I’m learning how to be obedient. I have to share with you the verse that the Lord gave me during that time. Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength they will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint! Psalm 18:32-34 it is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect he makes my feet like the feet of a deer he enables me to stand on the heights he trains my hand for battle my arms can bend a bow of bronze. (He is your source of strength) you have been in my prayers for the last three years and I will continue being a prayer warrior for you and your family. Love always.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
Thank you for being brave and authentic and sharing your barren place. It gives hope to me in mine. You and your family are in my prayers.
(You don’t know me, but I was blessed to hear your speak at Faith Center in Eugene twice. We are sisters, and if our paths don’t cross during this life, I know they will in the next).
Psalm 22:19
New International Version (NIV)
19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
Psalm 59:9-10
New International Version (NIV)
9 You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
10 my God on whom I can rely.
God will go before me….
Psalm 59:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely.
Praying for you and your precious family. This song came to mind and brings me great comfort when I don’t know what to say or do or pray or even think:
It Is Well with My Soul (Horatio G. Spafford)
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
” I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5
Praying for you all…much love to you!
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” 2nd Chronicles 16:9
“The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you. He will not leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deut.31:8
Bo – so many wonderful verses. Mine has already been listed but bears repeating. “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing — nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable — absolutely NOTHING can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:38,39 the Message Praying that you will feel His embrace. One of the prayers my pastor has taught us… it’s my favorite. i can’t, YOU can, PLEASE HELP!
Blessings, Sue H.
…the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Luke 12:7, NLT
Praying for you and yours. God knows.
Linda
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
*By the way, the other verse that came immediately to my mind was 2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – And I noticed that someone literally just posted that a few minutes ago. God is confirming his watchfulness over you. 🙂
This is what the Sovereign lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.(Isaiah 30:15 NLT)
Not a first, but a song that I felt encouraged by this morning!
“Say Amen” by Finding Favour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfWaMVh4dZM
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-24.
I will be praying this verse for your family.
While I have no verse to share that would be any different than what has been shared, I would be honored to stand next to you and hold your spiritual arms up as Aaron did. I pray for the never ending mercies and strength for you and yours from our never failing Lord and Savior.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Brenden and I are praying for you. Big Hugs and Love xoxo
Hi Bo and Steve—Oh, as I read through this blog, Psa. 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble” ran through my head as well as my fave—Psa. 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”.
I will definitely be praying for you guys (along with the whole awesome army you have). Understandably the last three years have sapped your strength. But I know that tomorrow as you face surgery, He will give you all the strength you need! He’s not giving you that strength a day too early—only at the appropriate time!!
Love you guys,
Cheryl
Kathy G. – You are in our thoughts. I am praying prayers and sending you reassuring words of Love and Life…
“I speak to you from the depths of your being. Hear Me saying soothing words of Peace, assuring you of My Love. Do not listen to voices of accusation, for they are not from Me. I speak to you in love-tones, lifting you up. My spirit convicts cleanly, without crushing words of shame. Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception. Be transformed by the truth that I live within you.
The Light of My Presence is shining upon you, in benedictions of Peace. Let My Light shine in you; don’t dim it with worries or fears. Holiness is letting Me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy…”
~ From today’s reading in Jesus Calling
(Romans 8:1-2; Colossians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:19)
Oh sweet sister! I only have a minute but want to say I am praying! I don’t know how, but I know He holds us and carries us when we can’t possibly do , think or say one more thing. I pray for his ALL sustaining power for you and your family. Love, love, love!!
Dear, dear Steve, Bo and family ~
The scripture on my heart for you since yesterday is 2 Cor 4:16-18. “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” (Msg)
Praying and loving you! Gwen
Lord, you know me inside and out.
You know about my pain and distress,
you understand the fears of my heart.
At the cross you endured unabating agony.
You have gone before me into the darkness
And emerged in power and glory.
At this time I lean on You
I draw my strength from Your endless love
And live in Your limitless grace
Trusting in You.
Praying for you and your family!
Liana (friend of Cheryl and Dave)
We were never meant to be crushed under the weight of care……
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
Unload the anxieties of the present moment upon Him, for He
cares for you (Billy Graham)
Love you guys!
This is a song which helps me when I feel I have nothing left to give. I’m praying for you and Steve and your kids, the medical staff, doctors, everyone with whom you all come in contact. I’ve only met you once at our SCC Jubilee but you’ve touched my heart and soul deeply. God be with you and Steve tomorrow.
How would I know – Kathy Troccoli
If it wasn’t for the times that I was down
If it wasn’t for the times that I was bound
For all the times that I wondered
How I would ever make it through
All of the times that I couldn’t see my way
And I had to turn to You
How would I know You could deliver
How would I know You could set free
If there had never been a battle
How would I know the victory
How would I know You could be faithful
To meet all of my needs
Lord I appreciate the hard times
Otherwise how would I know
I remember all the times I had to cry
And at the time all I could do was wonder why
Why would a God so kind and loving
Allow me to go through all this pain
If I could see into the future
Then I would know the joy I’d gain
But how would I know You could deliver
How would I know You could set free
If there had never been a battle
How would I know the victory
How would I know You could be faithful
To meet all of my needs
Lord I appreciate the hard times
Otherwise how would I know
How would I know that you could
Make a way out of no way
How would I know if I never had a need
Brother, I know what you’re goin’ through
Sister, I know ’cause I’ve been in your shoes
But I can truly say that I know what God can do
How would I know You could deliver
How would I know You could set free
If there had never been a battle
How would I know the victory
How would I know You could be faithful
To meet all of my needs
Lord I appreciate the hard times
Otherwise how would I know
Otherwise how would I know
How would I know You could set free
How would I know You deliver me
How would I know You could make a way
How would I know You could meet my needs
How would I know
How would I know
I wouldn’t have known
I wouldn’t have known
May God provide deliverance from the weakness and a victory equal to the battle. You are so very loved and cherished!
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
Dear Steve and Bo,
As I search for the right words…all I can think of is the time I sat in my garage and heard God’s voice with words that come back to me in my times of weakness….my story as to how I got there is not significant, but what is, is how the Lord comforted me.
I began praying….I asked all my aunts and cousins that are prayer warriors to pray, I prayed/begged for God to come and “back me up” in my fight…I asked him to send warrior angels to back me up as well….it was in my deepest moment of weakness and despair that God said to me~
“Julie~I GO BEFORE YOU!!!” In that moment I had a vision of myself being pulled back, and a wall was built in from of me with 16ft tall warrior angels…God told me he was leading them. The battle is being fought, but the war is won. Hallelujah!!!!!
So as you go…remember that HE GOES BEFORE YOU….THE BATTLE IS BEING FOUGHT, BUT THE WAR IS WON! May the Lord just cuddle you both in His loving, strong arms!
With all my love and prayers~Julie
Stern family! One of the most incredible families I have been blessed to know. I have no words to make any of your pain go away and it breaks my heart to watch this struggle. The beauty and grace you all have fought this battle with has been both awe inspiring and heartbreaking. You are human and not being enough is ok sometimes. Not having even strength to continue a fight is ok sometimes, but he is strong enough for the both of you. I pray that he would carry you through this surgery, through the recovery and through whatever the outcome. Be embraced by God’s strong loving arms and let him carry you to the end of this battle.
Deut 1:31 In the desert you saw that the LORD carried you like a man carries his son, on every road you traveled until you reached this place.
Love you Stern Family!!!
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:9-10
Thank you for giving us the privilege of praying for you!
Dear Steve, Bo and family.
From Australia with love and prayers to you all.
I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must feel but as fellow sufferer with ALS your courage to ask for help has in turn helped me. Now that you have received so many great passages may you find the strength to simply rest on what you have eaten. Ps 23 “Ps. 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,” Sheep lying down on the stuff they have eaten, resting on the food they have partaken of.
The encouragement in this passage is that whether you are by streams, on green pasture or shadows of valley of death. He is with you.
Dear Bo and Steve, God’s Word has poured over the lines of this blog today! I pray it soothes your souls. As I was reading, a song came to mind –
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
I love you Team Stern
My prayers are with you as you face yet another battle. A scripture or verse: I will turn to one of my favorite songs, because I know that in our weakness, He is strong.
Jesus loves you, this I know
For the Bible tells you so
All the Sterns to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves you
Yes, Jesus loves you
Yes, Jesus loves you
The Bible tells you so.
Simplistic, yes. But He loves Steve and Team Stern with a love that is fierce, loyal, faithful, steadfast!! He can keep you in perfect peace when peace doesn’t seem like a viable option. He loves you, Bo, Steve, Tess, Victoria, Josiah, Whitney, Corey, Grayson, Casey. So do I, and my prayers are fervent!!
Psalm 61:1-4
O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth , I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings.
We love you!
The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Lexi had this as a memory verse this week and thought of it as I read your blog to share with you.
Ah , Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm
Nothing is too hard for you Jeremiah 32:17
dear Bo,
I am praying that God you give you Such a portion of His strength ! I would give you mine if I could but I know that I know that His portion alone is enough for you.
Praying for His peace for you , Steve and the children.
Sue
Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing and be glad all our days.
I know that Jonah in the whale in his darkest, most confusing hour, not knowing if he would live another day sang to God of His salvation. The O’Malleys, Steve and Becky are so so sad for what you all are going through. The word satisfy has so many wonderful meanings, fulfill our desires, complete, finish,even reparation, meaning to repair the damage done to us… Jesus satisfied our debt on the cross, and He truly is our only consistent unfailing love. Your body may fail you Steve, but your Lord never will. He will satisfy you and your family with his unfailing love, every day.Our love, prayers and hugs to you all.
Dear Bo & Steve- I’ve been praying all week and all day…and I won’t quit.
Here’s all the verses I have for today-
Ps 28:2
Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
Ps 27:14
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Ps 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
Is. 40:29
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak.
Is. 33:2
But Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for You. Be our strength each day and our salvation in times of trouble.
Deut. 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you!
Ps. 50:15
Trust in Me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you and you will give Me glory
Is. 42:16
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
with great love and care-
Debi
The following scripture sustained me through the darkest time of my life and I pray that it will strengthen you as well. Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk)and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering,or responsibility.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Living Bible (TLB)
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. 17 These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! 18 So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Zechariah 10:1
Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
–Isaiah 41:10, NLT
Ron has been praying daily for Steve, one of his mentors, for more weeks then he can remember and he’s not giving up – still praying in Damascus!! Arlene’s life verse that she shares knowing that it is impossible to really do amidst such life turmoil. Psalm 43:10 “Be still and know that I AM God!”
I have been praying for all of you all week, especially your kiddos. I don’t know all of them very well, but Tess has been a source of joy to us since we moved here. And she always hugs, which I think is so wonderful. One of my favorite verses that I repeat to myself so often – Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Much love to Stern family and prayer upon prayer. Love The Roberts
I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
I am with Mim Miller!
Isaiah 40: 28-31
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
I am picturing you, Steve, and the whole family including Grayson AND the one eared dog standing in the cupped hands of God. Pleased know you are loved and I will be praying for all of you!
Bo, Praying for you and your family! See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Is 43:19
Deuteronomy 31:8
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
My live verse for 45 years . . . praying this for you all.
Much love and our prayers are with you! One of our tried, tested and reliable. . .
Psalm 62:5-6
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
“But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” (Ps 9:18)
I can’t begin to imagine what you two are going through. I, too, am married to my best friend. I’m sure this one has already been mentioned, but it always comforts me. Bless you both and I am praying…
Psalm 94:19 – When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy
I love Isaiah 54. “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.
I’ll be praying for you tomorrow…love to you and the whole family.
For the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call upon Him . . . Romans 10:12
We’re so blessed to be part of your Army!
Psalms 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Once while my sister was battling ALS, I decided to randomly flip open the bible and read the first verse I pointed to. This is what I found, and it has been my go-to verse ever since. Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Praying for your entire family.
Psalm 46:1 God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; 3 even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence. Praying for shelter and strenth
Hi Steve & Bo, I love the 20th chapter of 2Chron. It’s all good, but here are your verses: v15 “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.v16 Tomorrow go down against them. ”’V.17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you!!! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you!!!
Ps.18:3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from my enemies. V46 The Lord liveth and Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted!! This is your Song of Deliverance!!! Love, Marcia
Barb: Daniel 3:23-25 “So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?’ ‘Yes,’ they said, ‘we did indeed, Your Majesty.’ ‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, UNBOUND, walking around in the fire. They aren’t even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!'” I am continuing to pray for you and for your family, Bo.
Daniel 3:23-25 “So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?’ ‘Yes,’ they said, ‘we did indeed, Your Majesty.’ ‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, UNBOUND, walking around in the fire. They aren’t even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!'” I am continuing to pray for you and for your family, Bo.
I am praying for your family. Psalm 121…I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neigher slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you–the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Love to all of you, Debbie
Team Stern – As I pray for you tonight I remember Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.” We send hugs and love to you all…and much peace.
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may STRENGTHEN YOU WITH POWER through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than ALL we ASK or IMAGINE, according to HIS POWER that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I’ve been singing a song today as I think of your family. It has always brought comfort and peace to me. The song, though written so long ago, holds true today. I am claiming it for you throughout this night and the next coming days. (Jeannie and I will sing it for you if you don’t know it) ❤
“Peace, peace, wonderful peace.
Coming down from the Father above-
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray.
In fathomless billows of love”
His strength and love for you is limitless.
We love you and are praying.
Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. (Isaiah 41:14, 15 NIV)
I myself have felt weak as a worm. But God has a habit of turning worms into threshing sledges. Strong as iron, sharp and able to beat back the foe.
Also this one comes to mind: all who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced those who oppose you will be is nothing in Parish. Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you below.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and HE will make your paths straight!
Lifting you both up in major prayer this evening!!! BE BLESSED!!!
Praying for AUDACIOUS HEALING RIGHT NOW!!! In the name of JESUS!!
Let Him be your strength! Victory! Truth! Light!
Love you both Steve and Bo,
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)
Psalm 139: 1-10
Oh Lord you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, oh Lord, you know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Your family continues to amaze me.. from the depths of depression to the highest heights you continue to share your journey and help all of us have courage for the battles we face. The Lord knows what you need and just when you need it.. so keep your eyes on Him.. He is your provider and you know that…so continue to trust that He and only He will carry you through.. your friends are his earthly angels but He is our director… We love you Bo.
“’I am come into deep waters’ took on a new meaning this morning. It started with perplexing matters concerning the future. Then it dawned that shallow waters were a place where you can neither sink nor swim, but in deep waters it is one or the other….Swimming is the intense, most strenuous form of motion – all of you is involved in it – and every inch of you is in abandonment of rest upon the water that bears you up. 20 December 1927
‘We rest in Thee, and in Thy Name we go.'”
Lilia Trotter
Her book, Passion for the Impossible, is one of my favorites. This quote has held me through some pretty intense times this last bit. I’ll be holding on to the comment section here as we’re in need of a lot of strength, too. Prayers for your day tomorrow and beyond.
For I know the plans I have got you, says The Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope
The lame will leap like a deer and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
May The Lord bless you and protect you
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you
May The Lord show you his favor and give you his peace
It is written, “By His Stripes, We are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
We are praying for Steve and declaring complete healing. You are loved.
Tim and April
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
Psa. 5:3
This is a life verse for me. Waiting expectantly for God is interesting. He has always shown up only sometimes I’m surprised by His answers. He showed up in pressing times when the energy and know how was gone, just flat gone. He showed up in cancer; not in the way I hoped, but nonetheless He provided. He has taken me to the mountaintop with Him…exquisite. And then at times, I’ve had to go through the patient waiting, where I wasn’t always so patient. Tell Him tomorrow morning Bo, and then, turn your eyes and heart heavenward and know that He WILL show up! He always does…because after all, He was always there in the first place! Praying for you to see His fingerprints over it all, in spite of your weakness at this moment. He loves you all…expect Him!
God gave me this verse when my marriage was in shambles. I have the the words “the yoke is shattered” written on the side of my Bible and the date 10/12/2008. This morning my Bible opened right to it and I thought of you.
Isaiah 9:1-7
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Psalm 59:16-17: but I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble. To You, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold — my faithful God. Believing with you–praising for you–holding you close in prayer.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17
Praying for His peace that surpasses all understanding to be with you all today.
Ps 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee!
PRAYING!
Praying all day for you. Much love to your whole family.
Sending love and prayers from Florida. Wish we could talk in person; we have way too much in common. Keeping you in prayer today as Steve’s surgery takes place. Thank you for sharing your life and faith so honestly. God IS with you today…and everyday.
Polly
Deut. 31:8 – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Our love and prayers are added to the ocean of friendship that surrounds you.
1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. We Love you and Steve and are continuing our prayers for all of you.
Prayers for strength you and your family Bo. My favorite verse and I hope one that lifts you and your family up – Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will fly high like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
My prayer for you will be your words Bo. I pray that in your weakness, He becomes abundantly, outrageously strong. I pray that He is your hope and health, your sigh and song. I pray that in your role as Steve’s advocate, you have ears to hear the whispers of His voice and the courage to obey it. I pray that Steve’s breathing will be supernaturally sustained through the surgery and that his heart will be held in grace. I pray you’re your children, that He gives them peace in His presence. He is with you always Bo. Nothing can separate you from His love.
Love, Your sister in Christ, Cheryl
I wish I could walk across the street and your house would be there. I would knock on the door and when you answered, all teary and tired, I’d wrap my arms around your neck and tell you I know. I know. I love you. Chin up to the Heavens.
I had no idea but God did. Your whole family was heavy on my heart but especially you. I prayed all throughout the day yesterday. I am so sorry that things are such a struggle. I’ve been there and my heart aches for you. I will continue to pray and seek the Lord on your behalf. You are so right, that is what the family of God is for.
Much Love,
Veronica
I love you guys. This is the passage that came to me:
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful. Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ” This is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘ Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord — the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:3-14 NIV)
Bless you
We are praying for you Steve. And for you Bo. And our hearts really go out to the kids. We are asking that God would guard their hearts during this time, and claiming the promise of the following verse:
Psalm 112:
1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. 2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
We love you guys so much
Randy and Lui
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
because of the Lord’s great love
we are not consumed.
for his compassions NEVER fail.
They are new every morning.
Great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself: The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him.
Lamentations 3:21-25
Love. prayers. mercy.
Praying you are lifted on the Divine wings,
find rest in the Divine arms.
and know His presence even in the midst of this battle.