"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us His Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Many folks feel the groan and sigh in their earthly vessel Paul speaks of in this passage. Tired and weary, we find our earthly bodies inadequate and failing at times.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "God has planted eternity in the human heart." Our hope abounds when we realize the earthly vessel we dwell in is temporary. Our aches and pains are temporary and pale in comparison to the horrible circumstances others find themselves enduring.
The last few days, my heart has been broken for a dear friend from High School. She was diagnosed in her early twenties with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease progressed rapidly and now at age 40 her body is frail, contorted, and weak. Her mind is sharp though communication is quite challenging, due to the severity of her speech.
Certainly, the earthly vessel of my dear friend is groaning beyond my own comprehension and will one day be surrendered for a magnificent heavenly body. She has endured the earthly disease, Multiple Sclerosis, with dignity and grace. She spends her days confined to a nursing home, yet GOD in his infinite wisdom has given her a ministry.
Yes, this contorted groaning body has a purpose. Over the last few years she has facilitated a book club in the nursing home. The residents meet on Thursday mornings to listen to books on tape or Cd and then discuss what they have heard. Recently, I received a note from my friend written by nursing home staff. In this note, she said, "one of my friends will not take her bath on Thursday because she is afraid she will miss book club."
How awesome a GOD we worship and serve. In the midst of a ravaging disease, my sweet friend is fulfilling a divine purpose. Today, I praise GOD for all that HE is and all He will accomplish through those willing to obey, despite their circumstances.
Overcome with GOD's divine presence,
Andrea
7 comments:
What a great reminder as I read your post with this nagging cough from allergy, that someday, I don't have to deal with this! [Amen!]. It's neat that your friend is doing something great for the Lord despite her condition. What a humble and willing servant of the Lord...May He give her strength to bless many more people through the things she does. God bless sister and have a nice day.
"Many folks feel the groan and sigh in their earthly vessel Paul speaks of in this passage. Tired and weary, we find our earthly bodies inadequate and failing at times." Amen and amen. I was feeling this very way today. Your post ministered to me. I am praying for your friend and I know that you are such an encouragement to her and many others. Thanks for reminding us that everyone has a purpose. You definitely see that in everyone! BLESSINGS!
Andrea,
Your post ministered to me today as well. I suffer with Fibromyalgia and severe Osteoarthritis. God gives me the strength each day and I stand on his promises and Word in believing in His miracle for me. When people see me each day, they have no idea what aches and pains I suffer with, but God still provides a peace deep within and puts a smile upon my face. I'm still believing that I will be able to run in a marathon all of my own. Yes and Amen to your post.
Hugs & Blessings,
Alleluiabelle
Hi Andrea
Thanks for sharing about your outstanding friend. It is sad that many of us (me included) tend to forget that God has put us here in our earthyly bodies for a purpose.
I was just telling myself yesterday, "we live this life God gave us only once, live it like there's no tomorrow, decide to live it full of happiness and purpose, for we will only come this way once."
Wow! Kudos to that friend of yours blooming where she's planted. I admire her; I had a book club for six years and it's not easy facilitating that kind of thing.
Thanks, Andrea, for inspiring us today and a personal thank you for the neat comment you left me yesterday. I felt validated for writing my piece about my friend when I read it!
Hugs,
Mary
This just goes to show that despite our deepest and darkest of times, God finds a way to use us no matter what condition we find ourselves in! Praise to God for His amazing power at work in your wonderful friend! Love Kat
This is just a beautiful post, Andrea. Knowing many of the details of this person's situation, I am especially grateful to God for your generosity of spirit and how willingly you practice your faith.
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