Turning Our Backs on God's Mercies

"When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord. And my earnest prayer went to You in Your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods have turned their backs on all the mercies waiting for them from the Lord!" - Jonah 2:7-8 TLB

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The last few years have been some of the most difficult of my life. First, I was hospitalized with stroke symptoms. Then I was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease. Then I was told that I needed radical surgery to correct some deformities in my spine. I got first opinions, second opinions, and sometimes third opinions from a host of doctors and specialists. I underwent five months of chemotherapy, and had multiple injections in my spine. All of the painful treatments I endured actually made me feel even worse. And having an array of diagnostic tests and images just made my situation more confusing. When it got to the point that none of my doctors agreed on what I should do to find relief and healing, I had had enough.

In my quiet time with the Lord one day, He showed me a passage in the book of Jonah. It started out with Jonah telling God, "When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord. And my earnest prayer went to You in Your holy Temple." (Jonah 2:7 TLB) I had an idea how Jonah felt in the belly of that whale. I was at the point where I had lost all hope that I would ever find healing. When I had read the words, "Those who worship false gods have turned their backs on all the mercies waiting for them from the Lord," I felt convicted. While I knew that I hadn't exactly been worshiping false gods, I had to admit that I was more focused on doctors and medical treatments than I was on the Lord and His promises. In doing this, I was missing out on all of the mercies He had in store for me.

That day, I made a quality decision to focus more on God and His Word for my healing, and I am seeing subtle improvements in my health, while seeing fewer doctors than I have in years. Though I have a certain amount of respect for doctors and medical treatment, I have learned that there is a lot that doctors don't know, while God's knowledge is infinite. Jonah goes on to say in this passage, "I will never worship anyone but You!" Then he makes a startling statement of faith - "My deliverance comes from the Lord alone." (v. 9) As for me, I will no longer turn my back on God's mercies. How about you?

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times that I looked to others for rescue and relief, more than I looked to You. Remind me often that when I focus on other people for help, instead of You and Your promises, I could be turning my back on all of the mercies You have waiting in store for me. Thank You that as I love You, seek You, and serve You the way You desire and deserve, You will prove Yourself to be my Divine Deliverer!

- J. M. Farro

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