Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Out of Terribleness

The sun came out and the pollen leaped into action. I only have a week or two in the spring of bad reaction to something blooming but poor Honeybun appears to have allergies that lead to explosive sneezes involving full body slams. She sneezed so hard today that little drops of blood spattered out. So I called the vet to see if we could add benadryl to her panoply of drugs. We could, though it will make her drowsy. Now she is on four different drugs.

But the good news is, I can get the drugs from the Walmart pharmacy at half the price of  getting them from the vet. This is the silver lining. It is important to try to find the good in the midst of terrible because frankly, sometimes there is an awful lot of terrible.

As Easter approaches, I am reading more and more stories that describe the crucifixion. It seems each year that I am a believer, my horror of what Jesus went through increases. I find myself more and more crushed by the realization that I helped put Him on that cross. Easter is really about finding the good in the midst of an awful lot of terrible.

But the good was really, really good. If Jesus hadn't died, we would not have had Him pay the penalty for our sin, and we would all be lost. It was terrible, and I cannot bear to think of it. Do you know the word "excruciating" comes from the root "out of the crucifixion?" Sobering, huh?

Bottom line: we must not lose hope. Out of terribleness, goodness can come. We have to believe and trust in that, because God's salvation is based on it.

Honeybun gobbled her peanut butter blob with the benadryl hidden in its midst. A bitter pill to swallow, but all she noticed was the delicious peanut butter.
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1 Peter 5:10 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Exodus 14:14 

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

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