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| City of Eternal Spring, Vietnam ~ courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life
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He
must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
I’ve just gone thought a season of ill health. Nothing horrible or life-threatening, but
enough sickness for long enough to make me realize my utter human frailty and
the impossibility of my doing anything apart from His mercy and grace. But, that consequence, that realization, is
actually a good thing. My faith has
kicked up a notch, as I’ve had to step out in faith or not step out at all.
As I’ve sat around more than usual, I’ve sought solace in
His presence. Like a mother cradles her
little child, I’ve asked Him to cradle me.
He has. As my reliance on Him grows, so does my faith. His grace is sufficient. When all is said and done, His purposes are
the eternal essential thing. His plans
for me? I want to make those plans my own.
In our culture, we celebrate youth, beauty, health, and vitality. Like those
long summer days of our childhood, they seem never-ending. But, eventually for all of us, due to accidents, illness, or simply old age, they do end. We come face to face with our human weaknesses and limitations. When we suffer
the loss of health, we learn a new way of being, and if we are wise, a new level of dependence
upon the Lord's all in all.
I’ve just read “Sick & Tired: Empathy, Encouragement, and Practical Help for Those Suffering from Chronic Health Problems”, a new book by Kimberly Rae. It was a welcomed dose of encouragement. I love her words of dedication to Jesus:
“You can do more with my being less than I
ever could have done being what I thought was more.”
…I
count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the
loss of all things, and do count them
but dung, that I may win Christ, And be
found in him, not having mine own
righteousness, which is of the law, but that
which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by
faith: That I may know him, and
the
power of his resurrection… Philippians 3:8-10a
Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques ~ I love her photography.
Lovely, tho't provoking post, Rose. I too was ill for several months this past winter, and though, like you, it wasn't a serious illness, it does make you realize how frail humanity is. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline for sharing your thoughts. Take care.
ReplyDeleteRose, my daughter has been ill for the last couple of years. God knew my faith needed to be stronger and to have a real relationship with Him. He led to me BSF in Augusta right before it began. My husband and son now attend also. Have you heard of it?
ReplyDelete