Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 22: Unlikely Answers
By Pastor Ronny Luces
Isn’t it true that we all wanted our prayers to be answered?
And isn’t it true that the answers we expected are the answers we already framed in our minds?
In other words, when we pray for a ganta of rice, we also expect to receive a ganta of rice – not just 2 cupfuls.
Most often, we wanted God to follow what we already formulated in our thoughts.
But God’s ways are not our ways and his thoughts, not our thoughts. I affirmed this truth in my sickness.
I discovered that God was in the business of giving me something which I haven’t asked, but something which was for my own good.
An article I’ve read articulated this truth. It says,
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked God for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn to obey.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power and the praise of men;
I was given weakness to sense my need of God.
I asked for all things that i might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for;
In spite of myself, my prayers were answered –
I am among all men most richly blessed!
Posted on FB: 13 March 2015 – 2:52 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness.” In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
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