"And the Lord said to Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job...?"
Job 1:8a
My feet are continuing to heal...
Job 1:8a
My feet are continuing to heal...
...although I still have some pain and I still feel very weak. Nevertheless, I have God's comfort and peace. This new round of trials are all for a good purpose. No one likes pain. But as the Lord revealed to me, even this suffering is for a greater good.
Others can take it or leave it with regard to what I am saying. For in some circles pain, suffering and hardship are looked upon as curses from the enemy. There are a number of Christians who think that if you believe in Jesus, no sickness, suffering, or pain of any kind, are supposed to come your way.
I do not want to debate this here. However, in my personal journal I am simply sharing my own experiences, what the Lord has shown me, and how He continues to bring me through whatever circumstances I may be facing from day to day, as I serve God behind prison walls.
Presently, I am continuing to explore the book of Job. The Lord practically dared the devil to test Job's faith. And Job's faith did not fail, even though he went through a series of back-to-back trials that would have probably driven a greater majority of us to total despair.
To me, Job is a perfect example that when God is on one's side, they can make it. Their faith can remain intact. Their relationship with the Creator can deepen. Depending on how we as Christians handle it, pain and suffering can either draw us closer to our heavenly Father or drive us away from Him.
I chose to allow my present trials to bring me closer to Him. This was not always the case. In the past there were trials which came that, in retrospect, I could have handled better and differently. But the Lord Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest. He is also a good teacher. He is patient and kind. And if one simply continues to trust in Him with childlike faith, eventually we will learn what He wants us to learn from each situation. Nothing happens to God's children by fate, chance or coincidence. We are always on the Potter's wheel, and His hands are constantly holding our lives.
Yet it takes time to understand these things. It takes time for genuine trust to develop and for faith to mature. We all may have a "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). But we must grow into a mature faith. And this is a lifelong process.
So, from this moment I can say with all honesty that, although I went through a period of pain, exhaustion, and poor health, I'm glad all this happened. I am closer to the Lord now. I feel more grateful for good health than ever before. I know, too, that I am in victory through my Lord Jesus Christ.
D.B.
Others can take it or leave it with regard to what I am saying. For in some circles pain, suffering and hardship are looked upon as curses from the enemy. There are a number of Christians who think that if you believe in Jesus, no sickness, suffering, or pain of any kind, are supposed to come your way.
I do not want to debate this here. However, in my personal journal I am simply sharing my own experiences, what the Lord has shown me, and how He continues to bring me through whatever circumstances I may be facing from day to day, as I serve God behind prison walls.
Presently, I am continuing to explore the book of Job. The Lord practically dared the devil to test Job's faith. And Job's faith did not fail, even though he went through a series of back-to-back trials that would have probably driven a greater majority of us to total despair.
To me, Job is a perfect example that when God is on one's side, they can make it. Their faith can remain intact. Their relationship with the Creator can deepen. Depending on how we as Christians handle it, pain and suffering can either draw us closer to our heavenly Father or drive us away from Him.
I chose to allow my present trials to bring me closer to Him. This was not always the case. In the past there were trials which came that, in retrospect, I could have handled better and differently. But the Lord Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest. He is also a good teacher. He is patient and kind. And if one simply continues to trust in Him with childlike faith, eventually we will learn what He wants us to learn from each situation. Nothing happens to God's children by fate, chance or coincidence. We are always on the Potter's wheel, and His hands are constantly holding our lives.
Yet it takes time to understand these things. It takes time for genuine trust to develop and for faith to mature. We all may have a "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). But we must grow into a mature faith. And this is a lifelong process.
So, from this moment I can say with all honesty that, although I went through a period of pain, exhaustion, and poor health, I'm glad all this happened. I am closer to the Lord now. I feel more grateful for good health than ever before. I know, too, that I am in victory through my Lord Jesus Christ.
D.B.