Four decades later

I recently had the glorious opportunity to listen to several important life moments from when I was just a little boy – thanks to the fact that they were recorded.  One episode was when I was dedicated to the Lord as child; this happened in January of 1985.  The pastor prayed an eloquent prayer over me.  He stated, from this day on, God had the final say in what transpires in the life of Kevin Bauer.  As I say, what a joy to have this momentous scene preserved so that I can listen to it again and again!

The reason I bring this up now is because this year marks the 40-year anniversary of this event.  Today, looking back at the peaks and valleys these decades later, I’m realizing there are so many noteworthy episodes that could be cited.  In fact, I’m not even sure if I should be limiting this to one singular blog, but I’m going to attempt to do so.  First off, it must be noted that only a few short years later, back in 1987, my life changed forever.  The Lord used the words of Billy Graham to speak to me as a small boy and inspire me to forever change my eternal destiny; as a pastor who was also saved as a young boy so eloquently put it: God saved me not only from who I was, but He also saved me from who I would have become!  Thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness to me!  

When considering my life, I would be negligent if I didn’t bring up how every April I talk about how God healed from a disease.  This disease should have either killed me or left me a vegetable.  But things that are impossible are possible with God!  Time and time and time again I’ve seen God perform jaw-dropping miracles, and He healed me completely from that horrible malady!  Furthermore, I’m going to just hit and run on this point, but I have a new lease on life today; in 2023, I endured a health challenge that easily could have taken my life.  In short, these are visceral reminders that every day is a gift to be cherished, even if the day is like the one I had today, filled with pain, stress, and uncertainty (more on that in a minute).

The Bible never shies away from the fact that there will be deep painful valleys for the believer in Christ Jesus.  Jesus Himself said to His disciples in John 16: “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  Paul Asay, in his book on Batman titled “God on the streets of Gotham” writes,

“Most of us have experienced pain, from the death of a loved one to an out-of-the-blue betrayal to the unexpected loss of a lifelong dream.  It’s not like we’re expected to deal with these trails with a forced smile or stoic resolve.  We grieve.”  I could write a blog on each of the items Asay cites in that quote, things that I have personally experienced.  As a matter of fact, I am dealing with a lingering painful situation even right now.  I haven’t gotten into it here because I’m really not ready to write about it, but the Lord is always faithful, no matter what.  Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Furthermore, it’s been almost 10 years ago since my father had his unexpected home-going to Heaven.  That kind of experience changes a person forever, and it certainly did me.  Yet it has been the reality and hope of Heaven that has been an anchor for my soul.  In his classic work “It is well with my soul” Horatio Spafford, in deep mourning over losing his 4 daughters, wrote in the 1800’s, “When peace like a river attends my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, You have taught me to say ‘it is well, it is well with my soul’.”

In conclusion, through it all, God has been good, faithful, strong, and kind.  That pastor, 40 years ago, stated that God had the final say in what transpires in my life; it is as true now as it was then.  As Passion and Meladie Malone put it in their song, “I’ve witnessed it”: “In every high and every low, You never left me without hope; You were good and You’re good right now.  I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness.  I’ve seen You breathe life within, so I’ll pour out my praise again.  You’re worthy God, You’re worthy of all of it.  Your promises never fail.  I’ve got stories I’ll live to tell, so I’ll pour out my praise again.  You’re worthy God, You’re worthy of all of it.”  Amen!  All the glory, honor and praise goes to Him alone!

God bless,

Kevin