Nesmith’s Notes
In an effort to extend learning opportunities that complement the pulpit, James posts Bible-based, practical thoughts in short, online articles called “Nesmith’s Notes.” Updated weekly, the articles are designed to help readers find spiritual applications in contemporary events. We hope you enjoy “Nesmith’s Notes” and welcome any feedback, comments, or thoughts that might improve this feature. Enjoy!
On Pain, Providence, and Purpose
March 2, 2010
Ms. Iva was a frail, ninety-two-year-old woman in a wheelchair. She lived in a San Diego nursing facility, where she had been for five years. Ms. Iva was a hardworking Christian woman all her life, but now her privacy was gone. So was her independence. She was abandoned by her family, and her world had shrunk to a hospital bed and small chest of drawers topped by a few old pictures. “Lord, why did you put me here? Why don’t you just let me die?” Ms. Iva’s acute arthritis left her in constant pain. But more importantly, her heart hurt. She longed to return to her home in Oklahoma, but she could not. Instead, she was left to endure an empty and meaningless life in the home.
One day, a woman who appeared to be close to death was admitted. She could not speak – she only groaned and moaned occasionally. The next day as she was rolling in her wheelchair, Ms. Iva accidentally bumped into the woman who sat in her own wheelchair. She could not respond to Ms. Iva’s greetings, so Ms. Iva felt compelled to touch the woman and pray. A week later, the same formerly-near-death woman walked up to Ms. Iva. “Thank you for praying for me,” she said. She was no longer helpless and speechless. Instead of being in a wheelchair, she was walking. And she walked down the hall and out the door — on the way home with her husband. Ms. Iva wondered for five years why God placed her in the gloomy nursing home. Now, as she rolls around praying with residents, she knows.
Think of it, West Broad and friends. You may be in a bad situation, right now. Your present circumstances might be anything but desirable. But recall that Ms. Iva’s experience prepared her for God’s purpose (Eph. 2:10). It could very well be that your experience has prepared you for the same. Think about it! —JLNJR (Resource: Miles McPherson, Do Something, pp. 73-76)
