Negative means Positive
God always amazes me at how He continuously shows His children that what we may call negative may be called positive in His hands. I love the this translation of Romans 8: 22-28...
22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
(The Message)
I've heard this reference and used it many times throughout my life in songs, messages, devotions, and personal discussions. It's considered a much easier subject when it applies to others rather than myself. I experienced a physical instance of God working for my good yesterday in an outpatient surgery for my chronic sinusitis. I can't speak for all, but when I hear the word surgery, I tend to label it as negative. But, if surgery is a necessary means as a part of God's work, it has to be positive.
After suffering with sinus problems for the past 10 years, I finally had to see an ENT doctor. When attempting to treat my issues medically didn't work, he ordered a CT scan and discovered the problem. Once we saw the X-rays, we both knew the result of my constant headaches, congestion, and vocal struggles. Those struggles, symptoms of sinusitis, was part of God's miraculous system of the human body giving the signs of a greater issue. Even in sickness, the negative was positive. Surgery was the recommended course of action.
I choose to believe God orchestrated this series of events for my good. I feel the positive effects already. I claim that I will suffer from this no longer. Though I am a huge baby when it comes to sickness, doctors, and especially surgery, I am thankful that my Father cared enough about me to lead me in this path. I claim His plan to be fulfilled so that I may continue in health to serve Him according to His purpose.
My wife knows I have to be pampered in such situations and so she was there with me holding my hand (and snickering at times) while waiting to be taken back for surgery. I had to turn away when they inserted the IV needle and yes, as though I was 7 years old again, I had tears in my eyes. Go ahead, I accept the fact that you along with my wife and God Himself should shake your heads at that statement. All I know is that I needed Janyse to be there and take care of me. Of course, she did just that. At least I'm big enough to admit it.
I do see that negative means positive with God in control. I pray that you see it in your life as well.
22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
(The Message)
I've heard this reference and used it many times throughout my life in songs, messages, devotions, and personal discussions. It's considered a much easier subject when it applies to others rather than myself. I experienced a physical instance of God working for my good yesterday in an outpatient surgery for my chronic sinusitis. I can't speak for all, but when I hear the word surgery, I tend to label it as negative. But, if surgery is a necessary means as a part of God's work, it has to be positive.
After suffering with sinus problems for the past 10 years, I finally had to see an ENT doctor. When attempting to treat my issues medically didn't work, he ordered a CT scan and discovered the problem. Once we saw the X-rays, we both knew the result of my constant headaches, congestion, and vocal struggles. Those struggles, symptoms of sinusitis, was part of God's miraculous system of the human body giving the signs of a greater issue. Even in sickness, the negative was positive. Surgery was the recommended course of action.
I choose to believe God orchestrated this series of events for my good. I feel the positive effects already. I claim that I will suffer from this no longer. Though I am a huge baby when it comes to sickness, doctors, and especially surgery, I am thankful that my Father cared enough about me to lead me in this path. I claim His plan to be fulfilled so that I may continue in health to serve Him according to His purpose.
My wife knows I have to be pampered in such situations and so she was there with me holding my hand (and snickering at times) while waiting to be taken back for surgery. I had to turn away when they inserted the IV needle and yes, as though I was 7 years old again, I had tears in my eyes. Go ahead, I accept the fact that you along with my wife and God Himself should shake your heads at that statement. All I know is that I needed Janyse to be there and take care of me. Of course, she did just that. At least I'm big enough to admit it.
I do see that negative means positive with God in control. I pray that you see it in your life as well.
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