13 Oct, 2006
Chelsey Junker is 18 years old this weekend!
God has given me the privilege of a friendship with Chelsey. I say this because she has taught me a lot about faith, God's grace and God's purposes.
The fact that she is alive to celebrate her birthday is another one of God's miracles! In January of 2005, Chelsey, 16 at the time, was severly injured in a snowmobile accident. (This first photo is of Chelsey before the accident.)
Surviving the trauma of major brain injuries and a severed spinal chord, Chelsey returned home after almost seven months in a hospital. She has continued to make some improvements, but Chelsey is paralyzed from the chest down and is unable to see. She has made incredible progress in areas of speech and the use of her arms. Chelsey is a senior and taking some classes at school and continues in therapy.
Her sweet spirit, sense of humor, and most of all - her love for Christ -blesses everyone who meets her! Chelsey is teaching everyone who meets her about what it means to trust God and praise Him, no matter what. My favorite quote from Chelsey is "I praise God that I'm alive!"
(Chelsey is in the middle front of this family photo)
Happy Birthday Chelsey!
What does today's God's Story teach us about praising God?
The psalmist points out that God alone is worthy of praise, because He has made everything, is in complete control, and deserves all glory! Notice that the earth "trembles" when He looks at it. The psalmist sings praise to God just for having "being" which means that God determines our very breath and when we will take our last breath.
Chelsey shares the heart of the psalmist.
When she says in her quiet voice and with all her heart, "I praise God that I'm alive", it grabs your heart with God's love and His Truth.
Through God connecting His Story with Chelsey's story, we are reminded that God loves us and has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us. He alone is worthy of all our praise!
What do you need to praise God for today? What problem do you need to trust God with? Even though life is often hard to understand and you can't see the future...God does.
How can you connect today's God's Story with your story?
- Pray right now. Take a couple of minutes to talk to your loving Heavenly Father...He already knows your problems and needs, but He is waiting to listen to you pour your heart out to Him...now thank Him for His love, His sovereign plan and purpose in your life...finish by praising Him....
- Pray every day for Jesus to give you the faith you need to trust God, no matter what, and to praise Him for "just being alive"!
- Write down a list of reasons to praise God in your life, no matter what. Keep this where you will see it regularly. Let it be a reminder to you of God's love and faithfulness to you.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Pray for Chelsey and her family. Pray for God to do another miracle by restoring her eyesight.
- Send Chelsey a birthday greeting and let her know that you're praying for her. She has started a new computer program which tells her what letter she is typing. You can email her at: chelseyj@frontiernet.net
- Use today's story as a way to encourage someone else who is facing a difficult time. But be careful to express it as an example of God's love and power, without making the other person feel that he or she must immediately respond with the same faith that Chelsey has. It's always best to show that we care and then ask questions and then listen....before we start talking like we have all the answers.
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