“Rejoicing in hope (glorious expectation), patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Romans 12:12
I’m in my eighth week now after my spinal fusion and I continue to need patience with the nerve pain in the evening and difficulty sleeping. This is my year to learn more about rejoicing in the Lord, being patient with my body as it heals, and continuing in the ministry of prayer. The wonderful hymn above continues to bless and encourage me.
I recently read the book Legacies of Light by Stephen Davey (c 2019, Charity House Publishers) which summarizes godly people in the past who God greatly used. It has been a while since I read Charles Spurgeon’s biography, a preacher in London in the 19th century. By the end of his ministry, he had seen 14,500 people baptized with an active membership of 5300 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. (p. 118) I had the privilege of worshiping at the Tabernacle in 1996.
Spurgeon suffered from severe gout, swelling in his joints, rheumatism (arthritis), and inflammation of his kidneys from the age of 35 until his death at age 57. During those years he spent one-third of his time out of the pulpit recovering from these afflictions.
Still, he worked 18 hours daily and wrote 140 books in his life. When his missionary friend David Livingstone asked him how he managed to do the work of two men in one day Spurgeon replied, “You have forgotten there are two of us.” He loved Colossians 1:29 written by the Apostle Paul, “To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (p. 118)
Spurgeon wrote of his own sufferings, saying, “The good that I have received from my sorrows and pains, and griefs is altogether incalculable. Affliction is the best furniture in my house. It is the best book in a minister’s library.” (p. 122)
May we all learn today how to be patient in tribulation.
Pamela's Nursing Reflections 
Dear Pam, It’s good to hear from you, although I’m sorry to hear that you’re still suffering after your back surgery. Your posts are always uplifting, and this one was especially good. Spurgeon’s life and accomplishments really exemplify God’s enabling power through hardship. God has used you mightily, too, and I pray that He will continue to bless many through your posts while He brings healing grace. Rejoicing in Him, Marita
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Dear Marita, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. You were one of the first believers I met after I received Christ in high school. I thank the Lord for your friendship over the decades! Awaiting His return, Pam
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