Lessons learned.
That is the approach many people take toward difficulties they face. It is after we are beyond our “trees” and look back that we often see a divine purpose.
Those thoughts rattled around in my brain after yesterday’s events and what I read this morning. As chaplain of our local sheriff’s department, I take part in what are called Interventions. Debriefings if you prefer. Those involved in the incident-police, dispatch, EMT, etc-get together to talk, analyze, shed some tears at times, and come to grips with what happened. Recently one of our local LEOs was shot (he will be okay) while conducting his duty, but those involved met to talk through their response. As I spoke with someone after everyone was gone, lessons learned kept coming up. “If I had done this” or “If only…”
This morning as I read during my devotional time, the subject of healing was brought up. The writer spoke about the multiple times she was approached about being healed. Each time was a failure. Of course, the huckster (or two) accused her of not having enough faith (their go-to accusation). She ended the devotion with a very insightful paragraph. After saying, “I know God does not promise us healing on this side of heaven” (p.142) she wrote the following, and it struck a chord with me:
I don’t understand why or when or through whom God chooses to heal, but I do know God has done a deeper healing in my life because of my disability. He has taught me to trust Him. He’s refined my character and given me joy in Him apart from my circumstances. And those gifts have become far more precious than any physical healing. (emphasis mine) (“Watching for the Morning” by Risner-p.143)
I’d say, “Lessons learned.” Case closed.
Lessons learned, indeed, Bill. I’m so glad the person who was shot is in the process of recovering. Our first responders have such a difficult job and too many aren’t appreciated for all they do to keep us safe. May we always trust God to do that deeper healing in our lives.
Blessings!
I am glad also Martha. Each week we pray for our military and LEOs during our prayer time. This was a beautiful lesson (a hard one) to emphasize why we do.
I’d rather be weak than strong any day simply because God uses the weak to overcome the strong.
Yes He does Ed and He promises us that in His Word.
Lessons learned indeed, love the quote. We cannot understand all of the whys in our lives, or even begin to explain why some people get healed and others do not. Reality is, it is our lack of understanding what healing we are receiving that we lack to understand. It is our lack of faithful trust in God, to give us exactly what we need. We have to remember that God knows what we need, it may not align with what we want or think we need. Finding the joy and peace in all circumstances, and as you say Bill, that gift is more precious than any other.
All you say is true Gail. We miss out on God’s blessings when we don’t trust His heart for us.