Thank God for Pain?
By: Sister Sonya Johnson
|
Two months ago the thought of
thanking God for pain would have been a notion
that I could not conceive.
However, last month after experiencing excruciating pain, then being rushed
to the hospital, and undergoing
emergency surgery, this was no longer a ridiculous concept. You see, it
was that pain that alerted me that something was wrong. I learned that
the pain was caused by internal bleeding from a ruptured ectopic (tubal)
pregnancy. The bleeding was so severe, that I had to be transfused with
four units of blood.
As soon as I was able to think clearly, I knew that it was
only by God’s grace that I was still alive. I remembered that some years
earlier a family friend, who unknown
to her or her husband, was experiencing the same problem. She, however,
never
made it to the hospital, but
died within hours of reporting
the pain to her doctor.
It was having this memory at the forefront of my mind that
compelled me to tell everyone, “I thank God for the pain.” It was that
pain, the worst that I have ever experienced, our swift response to it,
and most importantly,
God’s mercy that saved my life.
After giving it much thought, I realized that my sudden
illness was not the first time
that this trio, God’s mercy, severe pain, and
a response, had combined to save life. The other
instance, however, has much farther reaching implications than my temporary
illness. It is summed up in a very familiar verse: For
God so loved the world, that he gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him
should not
perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Here we
have these same three elements:
God loved us so much that he was merciful by not punishing us for our own sins, but instead allowed His Son, Jesus Christ to suffer excruciating pain on a cross, so that we might live. Not only did this action have the potential to save our lives, but more importantly, our eternal souls. Notice that God took care of two
elements in
the equation. The only thing left is your response. The choices are
simple: Life or death? What will your response be?
|
|
|
Coming soon to your mailbox !!! The beacon of Hope Newsletter can soon be mailed directly
to your home. Please make sure that your current address is listed at
the church office. We can be reached at: |
In Memory of the late Cleveston S. Layne and thanks to the generosity of Sis. Loletha Layne, The Beacon of Hope Newsletter has taken on a new look. Sis. Layne donated a printer to Martin Street Church of God, that is able to print the entire news- letter in color. It was Bro. Layne’s desire for Martin Street to have a quality, color newsletter. You will still receive the same high-quality, inspirational and informational articles, but in a format that is more pleasing to the eye. Mere words cannot express our gratitude. MAY GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY SIS. LAYNE !!!!!!
|
|
|