Our Daily Bread December-January-February 1988-89 [antikvár]

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 December 1—Thursday A NEW CORE Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 2 Cor. 12:8 Being told that you have an incurable disease may be one of life's most distressing blows, in his book The Healing of Persons, Dr. Paul Tournier tells of a Christian doctor who heard from an old friend afflicted with Parkinson's disease. On a note asking the doctor to visit were these words, "Come only if you have some new remedy. I've had enough of doctors who say they cannot cure me." The doctor came, and after greeting his friend, he said with heartfelt sincerity, "I brought you a new remedy — Jesus Christ!" The doctor told him what a remarkable change Christ had made in his own life. Slowly the man's attitude softened. After many visits, a marked spiritual transformation occurred. Rebellion gave way to acceptance. Soon people began telling him what strength they received just from being with him. Letting Jesus control our lives is a spiritual cure for rebellion, self-centeredness, bitterness, and self-pity — all symptoms of the deeper disease of sin, which needs God's forgiveness. When this is taken care of, we may still battle an incurable disease or face unalterable circumstances. Paul pleaded for release from a "thorn in the flesh." And it's right to pray for healing. But when God doesn't heal, He gives a better solution — the cure of acceptance. It carries with it His unfailing presence. His limitless renewing strength, and a safeguard against pride. No miracle drug offers a cure like that. — D.J.D. Whate'er your thorn in life may be, From God accept it willingly; But reckon Christ, His life, His power, To keep you in the trying hour. —Anon. For every problem there is a solution — even if it's leaming to live with the problem.