In Bible class the past few Sundays we have been studying John 15 where Jesus talks about being the true vine and how to grow and be fruitful as the branches. Today, as Pastor Dommer shared with us, he brought up the difference of fruit in the lives of Josiah and king Asa of Judah. The way these two men responded to suffering and conviction is directly relatable to John 15 (verses 7-11) when it talks about bearing fruit and abiding in God's love. Josiah saw his people and the corruption among their hearts and as his eyes were opened to this he repented and sought the Lord. Josiah found favor with the Lord and pursued sanctification.
In contrast you have Asa in 2 Chronicles 16 who did not turn to Christ. A seer, named Hanani, came to Asa saying that because he trusted in the king of Syria and not God, the entire Syrian army was gone. Hanani reminded Asa of when he did rely on God and in return God's hand brought victory over the Ethiopian and Libyan armies though they were equipped with greater numbers and horses with chariots.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars." 2 Chronicles 16:9
Asa was enraged and threw the seer into prison, as if that would be the solution to the mess he had made. Is that not human nature? To blame other people for the consequences of our actions? Through this conviction Asa did not turn to God nor did he through the suffering of diseases either. Instead, he sought help only from physicians. The point of looking at these scriptures is not to make you feel that if you are sick, hurting, or drowning in bills you don't have money for that you're not being a "good enough" Christian or that you have an unresolved sin causing you to suffer. Josiah took what was revealed to him and dared to look in his heart to see if there was any unrighteousness. Sometimes if we look inside ourselves rather than focusing outwardly we will find the source of the problems. Seeking sanctification is always a righteous place to start.
Update and prayer: As I continue to ride the struggle bus with health it was refreshing to be reminded that my hope is not in doctors and lab reports. How important is it that we keep perspective of the mightiness of God and not place hope in the knowledge of doctors. Though doctors are talented individuals God is the one who is the ultimate healer- Jehovah Rapha. "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." Proverbs 3:7,8
As God unfolds this journey before me He does more than just navigate, He walks with me and at times I know He must be carrying me. Friday night I was taken by ambulance to Tomball Regional hospital with crushing chest pains and an inability to breathe. I went home that night in peace knowing that I did not have blockage or any other major issues. The belief is that this was an unfortunate combination of POTS and EDS. I do feel a little uneasy with not knowing exactly what caused this to happen, and it is our prayer for this to never happen again. When I say "Lord my endurance has run out" He proves that His endurance does not match mine, and continues to carry me through the fight. My calorie intake has been about 1000 a day so I am encouraged by that but continue to pray for the pain to cease. I pass out regularly but my parents and I choose not to live in fear because every time I pass out, I wake back up!
Also please keep my dear friend Suzie in your prayers over the next six months. She left today to fulfill a calling she has in Africa. Suzie has always been one to do hard things and set a godly example as she goes. She is fearless, fierce in her love of Christ, and faithful in her friendships. While she is away let's petition on her behalf for God to continue sanctification and to be so near to her. "You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever." Psalm 145:16-21
The Lord is good you guys! He never abandons and never forsakes. His promises are as good today as they were yesterday, as they were during the reign of all of the kings (and presidents). God never fails and since God is love, God's love never fails. Whatever it is that you are going through, you can walk in confidence knowing that you are not alone. You are His treasure and a significant branch on His vine.
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