THE BIBLE IN MY LIFE April 11, 2005 Issue

THE BEST MAP ON THE MARKET

PATRICIA HYATT

WHEN PEOPLE DESCRIBE a healing through prayer, they often tell it from the perspective of hindsight, rather than how it was for them in the thick of things. Like the testimony in which the person says, "I never had a moment's doubt that I would be healed." Such statements can make me feel discouraged, because healing isn't always like that for me. It makes me wonder if I can get from my present state to the healing I'm seeking.

So, in dark moments, I turn to my Bible for encouragement. Nothing candy-coated there. Nothing told only from the perspective of hindsight. Moses doubted he could accomplish his mission. David cried out, "Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak.... I water my couch with my tears" (Ps. 6:2, 6). Now that, I can identify with! Elijah became so down on himself that he just wanted to die. These Old Testament characters weren't perfect people. And yet look at how they progressed, and at all the good they were able to accomplish.

What a friend the Bible character Joseph is to us when it seems that our good efforts are getting us nowhere fast. No matter how much Joseph was victimized, he didn't become bitter. Not even after his own brothers sold him into slavery. He just kept picking himself up and starting over again.