There are two sides to every coin.
When I went for surgery unexpectedly, some exclaimed how unfortunate the timing was. Others rejoiced at what a blessing it was to discover my diagnosis before our relocation to Tanzania.
I began to see— how our choice of lenses color how we see our world, and God.
When I learnt that rehab would take 3 to 6 months, I felt discouraged. How would I manage in Tanzania?
But weeks ago, our potential landlord in Tanzania casually shared she had torn her Achilles tendon.
“I have a good physio.”
When she shared his contact with me, tears gushed from my eyes when I saw his name—“Physio Hallelujah.”
Hallelujah- it means an involuntary praise to God, no matter what the circumstances.
I felt God gently asking me, “Will you choose to see this ordeal through lenses of punishment or Providence?”
Hebrews 12:5-6 came to mind— “…Do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
These words from “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund spoke deeply to me—
“The Bible clearly teaches that our sins draw forth the discipline of Christ (Heb 12:1-11). He would not truly love us if that were not true. But even this is a reflection of his great heart for us. When a body part has been injured, it requires the pain and labor of physical therapy, but that physical therapy is not punitive. It is intended to bring healing. It is out of care for that limb that the physical therapy is assigned.”
Perhaps you, like me, struggle to fully grasp God’s tenderness when you experience hardship. But if we can embrace that some seasons of pain are not punitive but restorative, if we can raise an involuntary “Hallelujah” for His provision, we can be encouraged wholly, that His love is our constant.
If you’re struggling to trust His love, take heart. 💛