“Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’” - John 11:4
On Thursday I got food poisoning. At first, when my only two activities in life were either profuse vomiting or lying helplessly in bed, it seemed that my body was failing me. However, upon further consideration, I have come to see how well and effectively my body was working.
Shortly after the bacteria (or virus or toxin or whatever) entered my body, it was identified as problematic to my health and my stomach began working to get it out of my system. All other activities were to stop for me that day until this situation was dealt with. In fact, my body didn’t even want me to eat or drink other things that might cause distractions. The number one focus was getting this bacteria out, even if the process was at times harsh and painful. After this affair, I’m a little tired, but overall I feel much better and I know that my body is healthier.
This got me thinking, what if we approached the sin and brokenness in our lives in a similar manner? Step one: be on the lookout for the things in my life that are unhealthy for me and will only bring me destruction. Step two: upon finding it, stop whatever else is going on to remove (through the prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit) the sin in my life. The process may be harsh and painful at times, but it is the number one priority. In the end however, I know that I am in better shape.
This analogy can even be focused in further. By the fifth time I was throwing up, I was so exhausted and my body was so sore that I desperately did not want to go through it again. I could feel my stomach becoming increasingly agitated and I would plead with God, “Please no! Please not again! Don’t let me throw up again!” However as soon as the contents of my stomach had been relieved, I found myself in a new condition. I would sit there, sweaty and with puke all over my face, relieved and slowly being filled with new vigor and vim.
When we come to trials in our lives, our first reaction can often be a plea of avoidance. “No God, please don’t let that happen to me!” Perhaps though, there is a sickness rising up within us that God is trying to expel from our lives. When we get to the other side, we may very likely still be a little messy, but we have been given new life to carry on with.
“Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” – Mark 2:17
May you not fear your sickness, but rejoice in the potential for healing and new life.
