Take, my brethren, the prophets,
who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering
affliction, and of patience.
James 5:10
I am now settled back in my cell after ten days of hospitalization as a result of a painful infection...
who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering
affliction, and of patience.
James 5:10
I am now settled back in my cell after ten days of hospitalization as a result of a painful infection...
The prison's doctor has me taking an antibiotic called "Levofloxacin" three times per day in 500 mg size pills. I must continue to take antibiotics for at least a month, or longer if necessary.
Right now, however, I am enjoying two additional weeks being medically excused from work as my right knee and leg continue to heal. I still feel weak, too. Yet I'm doing much better.
And along this line, the Lord has been teaching me about the paradox between affliction and patience, and how they can work together for my good. Many times, I do not understand why I must go through difficult situations. Yet, as stated in the above passage from the letter of James, one can be faithfully serving the Lord, yet be undergoing hardships at the same time. But the thing to remember is that, no matter what the situation, God is always in control. There's a purpose for everything.
My responsibility, therefore, is to simply trust in the Lord, and to remain patient as I allow Him to do whatever is needed in my life at the moment. After all, the Lord knows what's best.
And here is a well-known passage of Scripture to back this up. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Thus, while I've just undergone a period of tremendous pain with a leg that was filled with pus, I was able to remain at peace. In this instance, pain and patience worked together to help my faith to grow.
D.B.
Right now, however, I am enjoying two additional weeks being medically excused from work as my right knee and leg continue to heal. I still feel weak, too. Yet I'm doing much better.
And along this line, the Lord has been teaching me about the paradox between affliction and patience, and how they can work together for my good. Many times, I do not understand why I must go through difficult situations. Yet, as stated in the above passage from the letter of James, one can be faithfully serving the Lord, yet be undergoing hardships at the same time. But the thing to remember is that, no matter what the situation, God is always in control. There's a purpose for everything.
My responsibility, therefore, is to simply trust in the Lord, and to remain patient as I allow Him to do whatever is needed in my life at the moment. After all, the Lord knows what's best.
And here is a well-known passage of Scripture to back this up. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Thus, while I've just undergone a period of tremendous pain with a leg that was filled with pus, I was able to remain at peace. In this instance, pain and patience worked together to help my faith to grow.
D.B.
