“Never fall into self pity for it leads to quiting the race”
Many of us have experienced traumatic events that have rocked our body and soul. Many of us have endured days, weeks, months and even years of excruciating pain and/or devastating circumstances that turn our lives upside down. Far too many Christians fall into the traps of self pity or condemnation because of what they are going through. Feeling sorry for oneself or wallowing in condemnation serves no good purpose. Both are a waste of time and energy.
Although at times I get a bit “down” because of the past 2 months, it is usually quickly replaced by the realization of the miracles that took place during those two months and how much I have improved since coming home almost two weeks ago. Sure, I have a long way to go to fully get back to the way I was. Of course we are dealing with the unbelievable strain of massive medical bills coupled with losing a month of our on line business income. But, these are inconsequential compared to being part and party to a truly great display of God's power, love, mercy and grace.
Because I was in a drug induced coma for over three weeks, I have no memories of the battle raging in my body. I did not know that my viral pneumonia turned into sepsis (which is a REALLY bad thing to get) and that the sepsis turned into septic shock that started shutting down my kidneys and heart. I was oblivious to the dire things being told my wife Beth by doctors and nurses alike. I was spared from the anxiety and stress that she had to deal with daily. So, what do I have to complain about? I got off pretty easy.
According to Acts 24:27, the Apostle Paul spent two full years locked in a prison in solitary confinement for crimes he did not commit. What is 52 days compared to two years? According to Acts 28:30, Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome. This time he was able to receive guests and write the greatest epistles he ever penned. What is a few weeks confined to my home, unable to drive compared to two years under house arrest?
The quickest and easiest way to mortify self pity and self condemnation is to compare one's circumstances to the plight of someone else. How many of us have experienced the things Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28:
24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27In weariness and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.
28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Contrary to what some teach and believe, there is ample proof that suffering, distress, tribulation etc. should not be viewed as a sign of weakness or punishment for secret sin, but rather the price of going about our Father's business here on earth. If you get nothing else out of this blog, please ponder and take to heart Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18:
15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God.
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Although at times I get a bit “down” because of the past 2 months, it is usually quickly replaced by the realization of the miracles that took place during those two months and how much I have improved since coming home almost two weeks ago. Sure, I have a long way to go to fully get back to the way I was. Of course we are dealing with the unbelievable strain of massive medical bills coupled with losing a month of our on line business income. But, these are inconsequential compared to being part and party to a truly great display of God's power, love, mercy and grace.
Because I was in a drug induced coma for over three weeks, I have no memories of the battle raging in my body. I did not know that my viral pneumonia turned into sepsis (which is a REALLY bad thing to get) and that the sepsis turned into septic shock that started shutting down my kidneys and heart. I was oblivious to the dire things being told my wife Beth by doctors and nurses alike. I was spared from the anxiety and stress that she had to deal with daily. So, what do I have to complain about? I got off pretty easy.
According to Acts 24:27, the Apostle Paul spent two full years locked in a prison in solitary confinement for crimes he did not commit. What is 52 days compared to two years? According to Acts 28:30, Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome. This time he was able to receive guests and write the greatest epistles he ever penned. What is a few weeks confined to my home, unable to drive compared to two years under house arrest?
The quickest and easiest way to mortify self pity and self condemnation is to compare one's circumstances to the plight of someone else. How many of us have experienced the things Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28:
24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27In weariness and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.
28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Contrary to what some teach and believe, there is ample proof that suffering, distress, tribulation etc. should not be viewed as a sign of weakness or punishment for secret sin, but rather the price of going about our Father's business here on earth. If you get nothing else out of this blog, please ponder and take to heart Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18:
15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God.
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
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