When you are overwhelmed with pain and anguish, where so you find relief? Here is a story of hope and courage…
“Two times (at least) when my flesh was on the brink of disaster!!!
Over the last three years, I have been so overcome with pain and suffering that our common enemy had me almost convinced that I was a terrible disaster as a person and a Christian.
The other time was in Vietnam as a soldier. We were on a ten minute break following a trail. I was so exhausted and frustrated, I just sat on the edge of the track in full view and said to myself, “Will somebody PLEASE come along this track and just shoot me?”
Both these situations have been remedied by God (and before I even knew Him). So yes I totally agree that while we can be sorely tested in the flesh we have a God who goes before us.
My testimony is that we have THE GOD as OUR GOD whose strength will always be my strength. And the portion of His strength in my life will forever be enough to see me through anything I may experience.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I should be dead. So this is just some fine tuning. I guess I’m like a banged up old car. I have to get a tune up every now and then, because under the bonnet is a motor that still has the urge to keep on going.
So I am very thankful for the strength I get from My God and from the verses of scripture that are so beneficial to me. ”My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26 NIV
God bless you heaps for reading and sharing my story.” ~ Ned
Doctors are confounded that Ned is still here today. But I believe that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. If we submit to His will, there is no force on earth that can come against us. Psalm 27:1 NIV says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
When pain and agony rips through our body like a two-edged sword, there is a force greater than our own that sees the anguish of our heart. Nothing goes unnoticed in God’s eyes. 2 Corinthians 12:9a NIV says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
What makes sense to God does not make sense to man. Indeed, the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. Isaiah 26:3 NIV says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” So ask yourself, “Whose drumbeat do you dance to?” That is the all-encompassing question. ◊
Linda Pearl
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