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I see it things a little differently. Of course God is joyful when we accept Him and are healed from death and sin, but it's the presence of the Lord and His works in our life that makes us joyful. Recall the times when Jesus healed the lame and blind. They were suffering one moment, and with a touch or a word their infirmities vanished. They were then overflowing with joy. God is all joy and love, and always has been, before the creation of the world and man.

Greg Cox. (Greg Cox is the author of Reggie the Hedgehog, a story about a hedgehog that wonders into a house to find warmth and food, but also finds a big surprise.)

I also share her thought as to why God let's things happen to us. I've been able to share 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 and help other girls/women through the pain of abuse. I was abused physically, sexually and mostly emotionally as a child by the one man who should have been my protector--my dad. Though the abuse stopped after he was arrested and taken from our home when I was 9 years old, emotionally I struggled well into my 20's. It was mainly because of my own sin~~bitterness. Once I was able to see through my sin, the hurt began to disappear. PRAISE GOD~~~my chains fell off, my heart set free.

It was because of Mrs. Hubler and some other godly ladies I wass able to forgive my dad for what he did. I believe God will continue to use me to help others as I yeild myself to HIM.

Sometimes an intermediary is needed when two parties are at odds with one another and holding grudges. Paul wasn't afraid to get involved and be that intermediary, trusting on the wisdom of the Lord to guide him.
Follow-up Questions: Would we allow the Lord to use us in such a position? If WE are the ones at odds with someone else, could WE humble ourselves and ask for the help of an intermediary?
Blessings,
Sue
Sue is an author/speaker. To learn more about her visit our Goldfish page or go to her site: www.paheartlandsbooks.com

Brenda,
    Appreciate your Bible study online. In your 10/31/05 study of Acts, the account is given of a lame man being in a busy public place. How many times when we're waiting in line at Walmart, gas stations, grocery stores, banks, etc. do we pray for the ones ahead and behind us? Or do we waste time fidgeting, being impatient and griping inside ourselves?
    Many people are living powerless, lame lives which can't necessarily be seen with the naked eye. But are we in such a hurry that we can't sensitize our spirits to be led to say to the cashier and those in line, "Looks like
you've had a busy day; I be praying for you." You would be surprised by how many "perk up" after I told them that and said, "Thank you; I could use it!"
    Just recently a former unknown worker (Bill) at a fast-foods place where I order salads came up to me and asked for prayer? Why? Because he knew I made it a practice of "praying for the gang" behind the counter (while waiting in line) at this eating establishment. When this same person landed in the hospital the other week, he called us on his cell phone to ask us to pray for him. (Please pray for Bill who recently found out he has diabetes, had an earlier heart attack in his late 30s, and is trying to lose 20 lbs. over the holidays via doctor's orders.)
    My initial outreach (to Bill) was simply praying while waiting in line. When I did get to know him by name, I told him I was almost old enough to be his mother so now he calls out to my husband and me as we enter his place of business, "Hey, Mom & Dad!"
    Waiting in line is never a waste of time if we're keeping our hearts and minds in tune to the Lord and how He wants to meet needs through us. Instead of being bothered by waiting in line, start to think of it as "waiting in
(God's) TIME" to reach out and show the love of Jesus to someone.
    The holiday time is fast approaching. Will you spend time aimlessly "waiting in line" or "waiting in (God's) time" to be a blessing and show the love of Jesus to someone else?
Blessings,
Sue

Hi Brenda,
One of the answers to "Why does the Lord allow Christians to suffer?" is found in II Cor. 1:1-4: "so we can comfort others who are suffering with the same comfort we received from the Lord when we had to go through suffering." Look up the above scriptures in several different translations and allow the Lord to speak to you about your own heartaches. God doesn't waste a thing in our lives--He can use even our former heartaches and suffering to help others--if we surrender EVERYthing to Him to use for HIS glory.
Blessings,
Sue