Life-defining Moments Life-defining moments. Each of us has them, usually during a hardship or heartache. These are the events and decisions that shape the direction and focus of our lives from that moment on. These are the times when we clearly see what is most important and has infinite, eternal value. These are also the times when we experience the true limitations and weaknesses each of us has as human beings - when we learn that we cannot do all, be all, know all and control all - when we get a realistic perspective on the world and adjust our expectations accordingly. The birth of my son Timothy seventeen years ago was such a moment. When I saw the doctor cry as my son entered the world and heard the technician say to me "Mrs. Stone, we can't find your baby's brain," I was terrified! Ten years before, the Lord had drawn me to Himself, making me realize my need for His forgiveness and grace. I committed my life to serving Him, whatever the cost, thinking that I would be a missionary. When I met my husband Jim, I thought I had God's plan figured out: we would make a perfect little family, enjoy the ministry and be happy! Then came Tim. All my hopes and dreams died! It seemed that in an instant, the "perfect" family, the glorious ministry and definitely happiness were gone. Even worse, I thought my trust in Jesus Christ was gone too. I always thought that God would not give me more than I could handle, but He did! I couldn't handle this immense, life-long responsibility! I wanted out! Been there? It seems that almost everybody on earth comes to a point in their life when they are faced with more than they can "handle" - when they feel very afraid, very sad and very alone - when they are in the fiery furnace of affliction and cannot do a thing about it. Then I remembered Daniel 3 the story of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace. The king threw them in there and then counted FOUR people in the flames. Who was that fourth person? It must have been the Lord. I have been in that furnace for seventeen years now and I still cannot handle it (just ask my husband!) That's why I need the Savior! He is in the furnace with me, so even though I feel the heat, I am not consumed by the fire that surrounds me. I still feel very sad. (So that's what was hiding behind my anger all those years!) Yet, God has resurrected my dead hopes and dreams and brought much good out of a tragic situation. I don't have the "perfect" family, but I do have a precious family. My joy in ministry comes from bringing comfort to others with the comfort I have received from the Lord. And my happiness comes from knowing that God is with me always, so I am not alone or afraid. By Michelle Stone .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³