Wow! Can’t believe it! It’s been 21 days since I got confined for five days at Medical City due to a bacterial infection that caused my left eye to swell terribly and left me with nearly just a single eye to see.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when I battled through my mind about the possibility of getting blind because my left eye grew worse in a matter of three days.
Plus, the doctors were shocked by the speed of the bacteria that spread quickly through the various parts of my eyeball.
But I’m glad I’m back, my left eye has been restored to its normal condition. And I’m really inspired all the more by the what I read just now about Rick Warren from Pastor Mark Conner, senior pastor of Citylife Church in Australia.
Rick Warren, well-known pastor (of Saddleback Church) and author of the best-selling Purpose-Driven Life, was interviewed by Paul Bradshaw and the transcript was published by Pastor Mark in his typepad. (For the complete transcript, you can click this link: http://markconner.typepad.com/catch_the_wind/2009/05/an-interview-with-rick-warren.html)
As a summary, Pastor Rick shared how God uses the challenges we face daily in life as a way “to build more, our character and not merely provide comfort.”
Facing sickness, an injury, a failing grade or a failing relationship (brokenheart), etc. are really difficult moments in life. Who would rejoice in moments like that?
When I looked that the mirror at the time I had my eye infection, I couldn’t figure out the purpose why suddenly, I had it. My eye was painful, fearful expectations went through my mind, etc. etc.
But here’s a really encouraging word I got as I was reading my Bible (Psalm 25) one time at my hospital bed:
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. 13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.15 My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Two things happened later on as I prayed this word—my left eye got healed completely, and second, I learned to trust God even more in “Lord-I-don’t-understand-it” moments.
Are you in a situation today that seemed confusing? Disappointing? Frustrating? Go back to the pages of the Bible, and like David in Psalm 25:15, declare God’s word–15 My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.