Up until 1972 I was still as poor as a church mouse, but with good health. I loved sports and more especially soccer. Then something happened that changed my life to this day!
In my first quarter in high school-form 1, I became sick on my left leg,
a condition that forced me out of school for 2 years as I desperately sought for healing that unfortunately never occurred.
Since then,I have lived with a pain on my left leg,a very painful experience indeed! A visit to various hospitals has not provided a lasting solution.
The Minnesota camp meeting @ Hutchinson has been on since Friday, June 13th until Sunday, June 22nd, 2008. I joined them on Sunday, but had to return home due to other pressing church business. As I was about to leave for camp meeting this morning, the pain kicked in. Concerned about the swelling, my wife-nurse instructed me to lie in bed while lifting my affected leg up. My appointment is at 5:00 PM. A long day indeed!
Staying in bed for the whole day is the most challenging thing to me!
I am one person who is ever on the move. As soon as I am done with one thing, I am ready with another one. According to my wife, I should not even be closer to the computer. Well she went to work and therefore took a few minutes to write this article.
In my bed rest, I recalled the story of the apostle Paul. He had
a condition that he describes as “a thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10. He pleaded with the precious Lord thrice to remove it. The Lord who knows the end from the beginning answered, “My grace is sufficient.”
For a period of 36 years, I have pleaded with the good Lord to take this pain away, but the answer has been the same, “my grace is sufficient.”
I have now come to accept the fact that I will live with this pain until I go to the grave. That’s Ok! But today, the pain is too much! I know that my Lord is more than able to heal me. Whatever He does is acceptable to me! He has brought me this far and sure knows what’s best for His work on earth.
Do you find yourself in the same predicament! Continue to trust in the Lord Jesus, who alone has power to heal and make things better for His children. I will continue to trust Him daily no matter what! What about you my friend!
The jorney home is long and full of obstacles. Let us continue praying for one another knowing very well that He who is on our side is able than he who is on the other side.
C. Absalom N.Birai,Pastor
Maranatha SDA Church
717 highway 7,
Hopkins, MN 55305
P.O Box 1296
Maple Grove,MN 55311
612-386-4608
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Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:52:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re:Thorn in the flesh!