I have a theory. It's only a theory. But sometimes I think God doles out divine chemotherapy. If I'm right, then I feel confident I can count myself a recent recipient.
It works like this: God allows an unusual amount of life lessons to flow at one time. They fire in rapid succession to where there's little time for recovery in between. You gasp for breath, cry some tears, and wonder what you did wrong. You may even feel numb when things calm as if you're not even sure what you're supposed to feel anymore.
I've had this happen a few times in my life. And in the end, something good evolves.
When someone receives chemotherapy, the medicine destroys good and bad cells with the intention of destroying all the bad. The destruction of good ones is just collateral damage. In time, the good cells multiply again, essentially bringing the patient back to life - sometimes from the brink of death.
While God loves us completely as we are, life is a daily opportunity for growth, change, and a surrender to His likeness. Since we all battle habits, thought patterns, and destructive parts of who we are that don't need to exist, our loving Father allows circumstances to weed them out for our good. But that process of surrender is neither easy nor fun.
As I write, Fox News headlines flash through my brain. People have done outrageous things in the name of cleansing the soul and stomping out the devil. I'm not talking extremes here.
I'm just talking life.
"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12 : 10-11)
While that sums up my thoughts well, the next verse amuses me, especially since I'm about to see a podiatrist because a neurologist doesn't like the look of my right foot and ankle. It's not doing well. But read on...
"Therefore strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet', so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." (Heb. 12: 12 - 13)
Even though it's painful, I'm grateful He keeps calling me to Him, pulling me close, digging deep in my soul, so that I "may not be disabled, but rather healed."
As my heart regenerates I'll hold to that promise. It all leads to healing, here and beyond.
PS: Sam just showed me this link. What a story. A fitting end to my post.
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