We were blessed to have a visit from my parents (80 and 77 years old) last week. It's been some time since we've been able to visit face-to-face, and during that time, both parents had undergone significant surgeries. So it was almost humorous to be standing in my kitchen while they both described their surgeries in detail, and showed me their scars (her back, his abdomen).
2 Cor 11:24-27, 12:10 (Contemporary English Version)
Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm...
Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.
When life throws us painful situations, we don't usually have many choices. Both my parents' surgeries were medically necessary. Had they not received them, they could have been in grave physical conditions, or worse. Paul was in a similar situation; his calling to the ministry carried a host of pain and uncertainty. But my folks and Paul all decided the best course of action was to "go through" their situations, regardless of the pain that must be endured along the way. The goal for my parents was improved physical health; the goal for Paul was a life lived in obedience to God's will, and an eternity in heaven. And they were all able to "show their scars" to those around them, as a testament to their journeys.
Lord, please keep us focused on our journey's end, an eternity with you. Help us to go through the painful periods and situations we may face, realizing that there is no earthly pain possible that compares to the heavenly destination you have prepared, for those who believe.
Amen. God Bless.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
2 Cor 11:24-27, 12:10 (Contemporary English Version)
Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm...
Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.
When life throws us painful situations, we don't usually have many choices. Both my parents' surgeries were medically necessary. Had they not received them, they could have been in grave physical conditions, or worse. Paul was in a similar situation; his calling to the ministry carried a host of pain and uncertainty. But my folks and Paul all decided the best course of action was to "go through" their situations, regardless of the pain that must be endured along the way. The goal for my parents was improved physical health; the goal for Paul was a life lived in obedience to God's will, and an eternity in heaven. And they were all able to "show their scars" to those around them, as a testament to their journeys.
Lord, please keep us focused on our journey's end, an eternity with you. Help us to go through the painful periods and situations we may face, realizing that there is no earthly pain possible that compares to the heavenly destination you have prepared, for those who believe.
Amen. God Bless.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment