Decades ago, it was very common for mothers to give
their children a daily spoonful of castor or cod liver oil because it was
believed to keep people in good health. If you have never tasted castor oil, it
is the worst fishy tasting substance you can imagine; enough to make you gag or
worse!
Children hated the nasty stuff, and would often run
and hide in anticipation of the awful taste soon to follow. Yet, doctors kept
recommending it, and mother's continued to spoon it because, despite the
objectionable taste, they knew it was good for their family's health.
Not all things that are good for us come easily or
sweetly. For example, within my own life, most of my greatest lessons learned
came through adversity. Some of these situations were enough to bring me to
tears, or to my knees, a position I probably needed to be in as I called out to
God.
Likewise, as much as I dislike going to the doctor to
have a mammogram or some of those other procedures that leave you feeling
vulnerable and exposed, I realize they are for my own good, and a little
discomfort today can save me from potential ill-health or even death tomorrow.
Giving up drunkenness, pill-popping, immoral living,
and mean-spiritedness may initially be difficult, but the result will be good
health! Mind you, health does not solely encompass our physical body, but we can
be spiritually and emotionally unhealthy as well.
Prayer: "Dear God, please give me the strength to turn
over a new leaf. Soften my heart and open my eyes so that I may clearly see the
error of my ways, and how they are hurting, not helping me. Make me a new
creation, God; one who thirsts after all that is good and godly, and rejects all
which is evil. This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Contributed by Melanie Schurr
editor@MelanieSchurr.com
(Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr)
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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