Patiently Waiting

Romans 8: 22-25 (NIV)
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

There are many traditions to choose from when it comes to celebrating Christmas. When I was growing up the tradition in my family was to open presents on Christmas Eve. However, since Dad worked for the airlines, this was subject to change because of shift work.

One particular Christmas Eve, Dad did have to work the swing shift. This would require that we open our Christmas presents on Christmas morning - something that would take a lot of getting used to.

There was a small chance that dad might get off early but we were not to count on it. Later that evening, I somehow sensed that someone was standing in the doorway. I don't know how long Dad had been there, but when I saw him.......

This same type of hope is found on a greater scale in Psalm 33 starting in verse 20.

"We wait in hope for the LORD ; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD , even as we put our hope in you."

We have the same hope in Jesus Christ. We can see it in Philippians 3 beginning in verse 20.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

Restored

BIBLE THOUGHT: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1st Peter 2:24, NIV)

It is surprising what you can learn from your mistakes. We discovered in January that our youngest son, Benjamin could not bend his pinky after severing the tendon with a knife in October while carving pumpkins.

Two surgeries followed, one on March 1st to remove the tendon and the second on June 21st to replace the tendon with one from Benjamin’s left foot.

I am amazed at what the doctor did to restore functionality to a ruined finger. When the healing process is done, Benjamin’s finger will work as it did originally. I am thankful for a doctor who has the skill to perform such a surgery.

I am also thankful for God and His Son who restore us after we have broken our lives with sin.
John the Baptist asked if Jesus was the one to come in Luke 7: 20. And Jesus replied: "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

I found a good physician to heal my son’s wounds and the Bible tells me about the Great Physician that will restore me to what He intended me to be.

My back is killing me.

My back is killing me. I have had lower back problems dating back to 1992 and I have been able to control the problem with behavior modification.

This time the pain is much different and worse. And the answer is still the same. Yes, I am using medication but my goal is to change my behavior and not mask the pain with medication. (Eventually; drugs work wonders).

But I don't want to make my back problem the focus of my life. I don't want my back to become the focus of my personal conversation. Life is so much bigger than our health, our sports teams and the weather.

I want my focus to be on other people and their joys, desire and goals. We become very short sighted when focused on ourselves.

I enjoy what Paul says in Philippians 2:4- "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

I have seen what happens to people that look only to their own interests and I want no part of that fruit.

I also receive great joy in reading what Paul tells us after that starting in verse 5:

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

Jesus humbled himself and became obedient. This is truly what I need to do. Humility and obedience.

I do not choose them willingly; the opportunities to practice these virtues come from outside sources - for me it is my lower back.

I can be angry about my health problems; I can give in to the pain, give up and loose my ability to influence others for good or I can repent and make a change that will overcome my problem.

The blood of Jesus (even the physical problems) allows me to overcome. I can have a change of heart, repent and practice the principles that God has set in place for us to practice.

Jesus says: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33