We don’t realize how much we need medical help until we see our sickness. I used to eat 1-2 candy bars every day and not worry about my health until I learned I had an auto-immune disease. I could complain that I can no longer eat what I want and that I got this dreaded disease, or I can be thankful that the disease stopped my destructive behavior and motivated me to pursue healthy habits.
The Peel
Ben realized something this week. Tension was building between him and his caregiver helper and it ended with her in tears after he tried to force his way. I yelled at him and she quit.
In that moment, Ben went immediately to his Bible and started reading and praying. I heard him mumbling about not knowing why he did what he did. He swore off watching endless hours of football and swore to express thanks as much as he could.
The Fruit
People rarely decide that they need God when they think their life is just fine without him. But, when we realize that we are on a path of destruction or we can’t seem to get control of our lives, then we open our hearts to let God in. We give up control and self-centered desires and we receive God’s Spirit and a new hope for the future.
These last five days have been wonderful (relatively speaking)! True to his word, he has not watched football, nor yelled at anyone. He has offered to help around the house, he has been very thankful for everyone around him, and he has not once mentioned wanting to move back home. He has been genuinely happy with no outbursts of anger. We have all breathed a sigh of relief this last week. Who knows how long it will last, but we thank God for it.
***
Jesus answered them, “Those who are well don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:31-32 (NET)
Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24-25 (NET)
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