By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
When it comes to physical pain, the “first” of any kind can seem traumatic to a child. For example, I recall the first splinter that had logged itself in my tender flesh at the age of 4, and how I immediately ran to my Dad for help.
With all confidence in his love and skill I jumped into his lap, held up my tiny finger and asked him to “fix it.” His brows furrowed slightly as he gently pulled my hand closer to the light, opened his pocket knife and with expert care and attention began to operate. It soon became apparent that perhaps I should have taken this important matter to Mom.
Yep, I cried for days! Even though the finger was fine I kept the painful memory wrapped in gauze and carried it around like a gigantic throbbing Q-tip.
Needless to say the next splinter presented a bigger problem than the first. This time I KNEW what was coming. The sliver of wood was small but my tears were huge as I sat in our backyard swing and stared at the nuisance. The longer I looked at it the larger it became. It seemed to grow before my very eyes. In fact, my finger got tired of carrying the large plank so I had to cradle it in the other hand for support.
At that time I was old enough to be able to imagine many scenarios resulting from the grievous injury. Infections and amputations were the upside as far as I was concerned. I could not think of one person who would be able to take care of this without causing me pain. It was the only conclusion that I could imagine because that was all that I had experienced so far in my young life.
For days I was in mental agony as fear wrapped itself around my sore finger and held on tight. I would think of nothing else. (Not even food!!)
Then a miracle took place. I woke up one morning and the splinter was gone!!!! It had worked itself out from underneath my skin without any assistance. No pocket knives, drills, or even saws were required. The next thing I remember thinking was, “I am all better! I can EAT AGAIN!!!”
All that worry for nothing!
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments (imaginations) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Cor. 10:4-6. (Parenthesis mine.)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
The more I focus on a problem the larger it becomes. The Lord keeps bringing me to these two words as of late- we are to switch our focus and …. “Magnify God.” It is really that simple.
As I have witnessed before, when we keep our minds in the presence of God (meditating on His word), every other issue pales in comparison. His perfect love WILL cast out fear (1 John 4:17-19) and He did not give us a “spirit” of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
When His light shines on our “planks” they suddenly become “splinters” and hope and faith rises within. It’s not natural. It’s supernatural.
He is God and “the whole earth is His footstool.” Yet, “the power of the Lord is present to heal” all of our hurts, big, little, mental or physical. Therefore, “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Oh, and I must remember, as a Carpenter, Jesus is an expert with wood …. and I thank Him for taking that splinter from a scared little girl.
(Thank you Readers for your continued prayers, calls/emails of encouragement in support of this column. To God goes all the glory!)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgrove1996@yahoo.com
