A Physical Cost

There are many Biblical examples of suffering for Christ. Stephen and Paul are 2 obvious ones. Persecution is a well-known suffering, both Biblically and experientially for many around the world.

Here in New Zealand we count ourselves as fairly safe. We have the freedom to worship as we choose. Persecution for me was teasing throughout my school years. How much worse is suffered in Christ's name in countries where it is a crime to say His name.

So yeah, we feel comfortable in our faith. Then - wham! - along comes a suffering that one does not expect. Hubby was doing his helping hands thing yesterday, clearing out the guttering of an elderly lady's house down the street. Unfortunately gravity proved too powerful a force this time and he fell from the roof to the ground, breaking some of the guttering on the way down.

A lump on his head where he hit the concrete, a black eye, abrasions down his left arm and on his chest, and the worst injury, a wrist that we pray is only a muscle strain. Swollen, painful and being treated fervently with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and doses of a wonderful healing balm called Pedimol.

I mention all this as a testament to my lovely husband because of his comment after the accident. As near as I can remember - "I would rather be doing God's will and suffer through this than do anything else in the world."

Oh, before he tended to himself he repaired the guttering with supplies we happened to have in our garage! The bushes, though, will have to be repaired by the Master Creator Himself.