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| Really, the perfect saint for me, the Patron St. of Impossible Cases |
We are told, "Do not worry, God will provide", and he does... but... well, Jesus said to the sick man in the temple, take up your bed and walk---he actually had to do something, be willing to trust that while he was unable to do much more than be lowered through a roof on a mattress, he could now pick up that mattress and walk out the door.
I once knew a woman who was a rather ardent Pentecostal- I think the phrase is Apostolic Christian...she did not believe in medicine, and disavowed sweets (until the kids were too rotten, and she offered the sinful processed and refined sugar as a bribe). Her little boy became very sick one day--- rather than the usual treatment in a 106 degree fever, she chose to wrap him up and begin long prayers, saying "We don't need doctors or children's tylenol, you must have faith, you must believe...God will provide". He was better soon... but it was a long night, and someone ended up sneaking him medicine.
Well, yes... but... generally, I like to put it like this: God gave us big brains and the capability to think, to choose between right and wrong. Asprin can grow on trees, digitalis can be gotten and treated, via the pretty purple foxglove plant, and prayer is great---but I think God wants your faith, and for you to get off your butt and see a doctor.
I can't say I haven't had my miracles: In late '09, they told me I'd need another surgery on my bladder. I worried...because a naturopath and my physician had both come to the conclusion that something was destroying my intestines... and had me tested for celiac disease. So, new lifestyle, feeling ill, and being stressed--- and dreading surgery. But I didn't succumb to temptation to curl into a ball and cry until the surgery day, praying for it to go away. I simply prayed and tried, and my sister, whose son has issues with food helped out too. Not two months later, with food, therapies and numerous issues, I was beginning to show signs of being better--- skin less dry, shine to the hair, circles under my eyes not looking like someone had popped me one, and color in my cheeks, and had a scan--- and while there is scarring, they can't find the issue! The urologist asked what I was doing, and I said prayer, gluten-free diet... he smiled and told me to keep that up... and I avoided surgery. I was handed a miracle, but I had to trust, and to do work on my own... otherwise, I don't think it would have worked.
Believe, pray--- but remember, we're given medicines and treatments for a reason. And we have the abilities to use them successfully, which is its' own miracle.
In conclusion:
May life be beautiful
And may you forever have grace under fire.
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| if ANYONE can tell you about grace under fire, it's this guy. |
