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Linda
Sensat, M.S., LPC |
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LindaŐs Testimony |
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Linda's Testimony
Growing up in a small south Texas town, I experienced all the joys of those
whimsical, naive and carefree days of childhood. Having been raised in
a Christian home, I had a foundation of love and trust. I knew my
parents loved me and I knew that Jesus loved me. I accepted Christ when
I was eight years old.
Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come, however. Living a
charmed life as a child was wonderful, but had its drawbacks. I didnŐt know
that one could suffer so much and certainly didnŐt know how to handle the
emotional pain that accompanies suffering. At
the age of 27, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that would eventually lead
to blindness. I admit that I was devastated. How could that
happen to me? No one in my family had ever been diagnosed with a
serious eye disease. The retina specialist related that the disease was
inherited, but how could that be? She said that it was degenerative and
would be gradual. How gradual? Her best advice was to go home and
do what I could for as long as I could and to consider not having any more
children. Our baby girl was 6 months old at the time and we wanted more
children. My
emotions were on a roller coaster for months. I vacillated from shock
to anger to fear. I had a million questions, mainly for God. I
had learned as a little girl that He loved me. How could He let this
happen to me if He loved me? I questioned the Lord, but also made my
petitions to Him. I asked him for one specific thing for my future and
that was to allow me to see my little girl become a woman and walk down the
aisle. As
the months and years came and went, my vision did decline and eventually I
gave up driving and then reading. The Lord taught me and grew my faith during
those years of many losses. I learned what suffering really was through
the many different circumstances that the Lord allowed us to go through as a
family. I also learned the value of mourning. Blessed are those who
mourn, because mourning is always followed by comfort from the God of
comfort. However, the Lord did not forget my request to see my
daughter walk down the aisle. Twenty years later, I knew the joy of
that hot July afternoon when God was faithful and I witnessed the smiles and
tears of that wonderful day. My
greatest loss has been that of color vision. I long to see the many
hues of GodŐs magnificent creation. I can only remember the beautiful
colors of the sunset in the western sky or the rainbow after the storm.
All the while, God has been gracious to provide special people to paint that
picture in my mind as we watched the sunrise over the Grand Canyon or visited
the wonders of the glaciers in Montana. Several years ago, we toured
the National Parks of Canada and I spent the entire vacation praising God
that I could see the beautiful mountains, incredible waterfalls and gorgeous
scenery (though not in color) that adorns the Alberta region of Canada.
Our last big event was the Calgary Stampede. It was a delightful time
of watching the wagon races that were held in an outdoor arena. It
doesnŐt get dark until 11:00, so the skies were still visible when the
announcer excitedly pointed out the rainbow over the arena. I looked in
the direction that he reported and to my surprise and sheer delight, I saw
the rainbow in all of its glory! I had not seen a rainbow in
twenty-five years because of the lack of color vision. Seeing the
rainbow was something only God could have done for me. His message
written across the evening skies was clear. God is faithful. I
have not always been faithful to Him, but He is always faithful to keep his
promises. I
still canŐt see the rainbow, but the memory of the rainbow in the Canadian
skies still lingers. I have faith that it is there and that the Lord is with
me as I walk this road that is so unclear. My lifeŐs scripture is found in
Isaiah 42:16: ŇAnd I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not;
I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make
darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I
do unto them and not forsake them.Ó
Suffering has brought me to a point in my life that I trust God to use me for
his glory and my good. Through trusting the God of Hope, I have been
delivered from the fear of losing my eyesight, and I want to encourage others
with a scripture that has meant so much to me. Isaiah 41:10: ŇFear not
for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with the right hand of
my righteousness.Ó
After reading my testimony, I hope you will be encouraged. I understand
your pain. I know what it is to suffer. I know that the Lord has
answers for you and that you do not have go through it alone. Someone
once said that when you look at the world, you will be distressed. If
you look within, you will be depressed, but if you look at Christ you will be
at rest. I believe this is truth and by refocusing on Jesus, you can
begin the journey of healing. |
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Member Christian |
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(979) 277-0903 Copyright 2009, Linda Sensat |
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