Two very familiar Bible stories have recently taken on new meaning for me. I've heard both of these stories all my life, but the emphasis was always on the "healing" part of the story...until recently, I had never really noticed the other part...
The first is the story of Jesus healing a blind man, recorded in John 9: "As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." (vv. 1-3)
The second is the story of Lazarus, recorded in John 11. When Lazarus became ill, his sisters, Mary and Martha, "sent to Him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it He said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."" (vv. 3-4)
Interesting, huh? God clearly has a purpose for the difficulties and suffering of this life. We don't know why Hannah had to have cancer or why God did not choose to heal her physical body, but we can certainly see that He had a purpose for her life. And that is a great source of comfort and assurance!
1 comment:
Jill,
Marty's niece, Mallory Turner, was involved in a car accident Monday night and is in Children's right now with a spinal cord injury and crushed vertebrae in the neck. She will have the first surgery today to repair the vertebrae and then she has a long road ahead at this point. I said that to say, last night when I went in to see her, I told her that I would do anything to take this burden from her and she immediately said, "This is my storm. If Hannah could do what she did, I can do this." I finished up with her and was literally so overcome with emotion I had to leave before I broke down in front of her. The strength she displayed as she layed there unable to move, her jaws shaking from the meds, having been up for 2 days straight, machines everywhere...it was just amazing! Mallory is a very strong Christian young lady. I do believe she can handle this..she has 3 sisters and she's the one that is spiritually and mentally at a place to do this. I know God knows that and he has also been preparing Mallory for this battle as he did Hannah. Amazing that through sharing your testimony of Hannah's life and storm at Caney that she was able to experience Hannah's storm before she fought one of her own. I hope this has not been so rambling..I'm short on sleep this morning but I just had to share with you. We continue to lift you all up in prayer!
God bless,
Sherri Smith
(Marty Smith's wife)
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