Ed Bahler's Blog…To Enhance Ministry

Ten days ago I shared how God fulfills His promise to show up when we’re in big trouble. That was the first big lesson from my journey with cancer. The second lesson became clear when others showed up as well.

The apostle Paul gave us this promise: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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. Romans 8:38-39

I love how Paul says that God will surround us with His love through our most vulnerable times. And I’ve learned that He does, but nothing like I expected.

I thought God might reach down and wrap His arms of love around me. I assumed this was something between me and Him. You know, like your best friend.

But it was so much bigger.

What I discovered was that God’s love showed up through people. Ordinary people like you and me. People who have their own pain but by God’s grace reach past it.

I’ll never forget the friend who offered to cancel his family vacation in Mexico to be at my side. Or those who showed up to quietly sit with Annette during surgery. There were many others who connected regularly until they were sure I was back on my feet. Add to that thousands of Caring Bridge visits and hundreds and hundreds of guest comments, emails, texts, calls, and letters.

As my son Clint said: “Our family is not special or privileged above others, but the efforts and prayers of you all were special. How pleased must God be to see you all supporting us in our time of need.”

As Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “I pray that they may be one…”

Because of the obedience of others, I felt a oneness. I was one with them, but more importantly, I was one with God. And I am convinced that nothing can separate us because God is love, and His people are as well.