Monday, March 05, 2007

God Permits And God Provides

A sister-in-Christ gave me a plaque when I was suffering from my kidney ailment a couple of years ago. On it read these words...

"The Lord may not have planned that this should overtake me,
but He has most certainly permitted it.
Therefore though it were an attack of an enemy,
by the time it reaches me,
it has the Lord's permission and therefore all is well.
He will make it work together
with all life's experiences for good."

The plaque has been hanging on my rattan book-shelf since I received it from my dear sister but I have not been noticing it for a while. It has been hidden behind all the lanyards that I have collected over the years from all the different conferences and exhibitions I have attended.

Just now when I was clearing them, I read the words and they brought comfort to my heart.

God usually permits certain things to happen in one's life so that the individual will be able to learn something through that trial or struggle. It is not to torture him, though at that point of time it might seem so, instead that period is to teach and strengthen the individual. Sometimes he may fall and get angry with God for it to happen but in His time, God will make all things clear and for the good of that person.

The above-mentioned served as a reminder for me. This afternoon I had to forgo my driving lesson and head for the hospital to have a jab taken. I wanted to endure the pain around my tummy and perhaps finished my lesson first but I could not. I had to forfeit the fees already paid but I guess my health comes first.

I managed to meet the specialist who has been attending to me all these while - thank God he was available when I was at the hospital. I wanted to know the latest status of my condition since I have been experiencing excruciating pain occasionally. He did a scan for me. I was expecting my condition to remain the same or worsen but he said the size of the ulcer has actually shrunk and it is a good sign.

The pain can still be unbearable at times because of the acid build-up when my body goes through a bit of strain, usually stress-related. He said that is common. He also remarked that when the ulcer is healing, there can also be pain experienced by the patient. He commented that there is such a thing as good pain. Just like when an external wound is healing, there will usually be itch around that area.

He asked me to try to relax but I know it is hard - not that I am a worry-freak but I cannot help it at times when I feel burdened for certain persons or situations. Everyone experiences that - maybe for me I am more intense. This is probably due to the fact that I cherish relationships and friendships lots.

I shared this with my God-Ma when she called me after she got my sms that I was on my way to the hospital. She asked me to take it easy but she also knew that it is difficult for me to do that.

She did encourage me to do one thing though which I will try to practice - each time when I am burdened for my friends, I should go to God immediately in prayer and not think of ways to help my friends. That can come later. At least at that moment when I am troubled for them, the burden is channelled to God first and not on my shoulder which will then affect my ulcer. Well, she made sense and I praise the Lord for speaking to me through Ma.

I just got a call from a dear brother and it was an answered prayer from the Lord. Tomorrow a course for men will commence in church and I had wanted to sign up for it. I could only make the decision this afternoon as I was not sure whether I could attend all the sessions in the subsequent weeks due to a project commitment. When I called the church office, I was told I could not sign up anymore as the materials have already been bought.

Well, my brother-in-Christ told me that the materials will only be collected tomorrow and that he has requested for an extra copy to be bought for me. I had actually given up hope though I prayed but the Lord remains faithful and answered my request. Thanks be to Him!

I walked Sasha at the park this evening and I spoke with the Lord as I strolled along. It is great to commune with the Lord this way.

Time to end now. Praise the Lord for this brand new week. I do not know what is install for me the next few days - I shall trust the Lord to lead and guide me accordingly.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

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