Not Everything That Happens in Vegas, Stays In Vegas

“If it transpires that for Christ's sake and the Gospel's you must endure suffering in any shape, do not shrink, but rejoice in the honor conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord. And find joy also in this—that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform from which with more vigor and with greater power you will witness for Christ Jesus.” – C.H. Spurgeon

After battling a nasty stomach bug yesterday, I am back in the saddle today… but not quite ready for a full gallop. And so, my friend and brother-in-Christ Ken Fischer rode to my rescue with this powerful devotional message. Enjoy and be blessed!

When I agreed to accompany Kelly on her trip to Vegas in mid-July, I never imagined what happened in Vegas would turn into one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

I climbed a flight of steps to go into the Sphere Experience and managed to aggravate my left hip. I spent the rest of the trip using a cane to get around Vegas, through the airports and home.

Fast forward to October 7th. After a dozen doctor visits/tests, the orthopedic surgeon told me that I needed a total left hip replacement. Sooner rather than later and surgery was scheduled for October 30th. Simple enough right. Not exactly.

Our son James and his fiancé Lamia are getting married on Thanksgiving weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee. We needed to tell them we would not be able to attend. Which we did and it was met with understanding and some disappointment for sure. Then God showed up!

James and Lamia called and said that they could not have the wedding without us. Ok, so they are postponing. No, that wasn’t it at all. They called to say that they were bringing the wedding to Vero Beach so Kelly and I could see them get married. They would recreate the moment in Knoxville for everyone else, but we would get to see that actual marriage. What a blessing for us.

The next twenty days were a whirlwind of activity to get everything organized for a simple yet formal courthouse steps wedding on October 29th, the day before my surgery. Then God showed off!

Rather than a courthouse step wedding, James and Lamia got their marriage license, and we arranged for a notary to meet at A.W. Young Park for a beautiful outdoor wedding complete with a professional photographer. Then God really showed off when James and Lamia asked me to officiate the ceremony.

In front of Kelly, Kelly’s mother, Lamia’s mother, two notaries, and a roofing crew across the canal who graciously stopped work for us, I married my youngest son and the love of his life.

Three months after climbing those stairs in Vegas, our good good Father used that painful experience and turned it into a gift that I will treasure for the rest of my days.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

- Ken Fischer