Council Grove Christian Church

10/21/26
Servants of God,
 
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes..”
-Psalm 119:71
 
You might have noticed that I have not sent you a Midweek Reflection for about three weeks. I had a good reason. My right knee (which has caused me trouble from time to time for decades) sustained a serious injury about a year ago. Finally, after trying everything to avoid it, I underwent a total knee replacement. Thank God, the surgery went well and I am on the road to recovery. This week, I finally felt well enough to write.
First, I need say thank you to all who have prayed for my recovery. Marcia has nursed me well and I can finally walk without the aid of walkers or canes! The many kind words, prayers, loans and acts of kindness have been very encouraging. Frankly, this has been (for the most part) a miserable experience, but the kindnesses of others have been points of grace and hope in the midst of struggle.
Because I watched Marcia go through the process twice, I had some notion of what to expect. That being said, the first two weeks was a  rough patch of road. With good nutrition, rest and wonderful Physical Therapy at the Morris County Hospital, I am now progressing toward  walking and full function again.
I know that many who read this have been through similar surgeries or have watched loved ones go through the process, so this is nothing very remarkable. It has, however, been a time of learning and reflection for me. It has humbled me. Affliction has yielded good things.
I understand better how the Psalmist can say that it was good to be afflicted so that he could learn more about God and His precious word. As I lay in bed writhing in a medicated fog the thought kept coming into my feverish brain that Jesus endured on the cross suffering that makes  any ordinary human suffering seem like child’s play by comparison. The pain and suffering Jesus bore were more than mere physical torment. His suffering was spiritual and mental as well as physical. The wrath of God that he endured was unfathomable. He willingly took that suffering on behalf of sinful men like me. That helped me put the sacrificial love of Christ into better perspective.
When my movements were severely limited I was reminded of the blessings of being healthy enough to live and move around easily. When I could not sleep, I came to better appreciate the gift of sleep that God gives regularly. When I could not go to church I pondered on how precious it is to me to be able to be with the saints in worship, learning and fellowship.
I hope to be back to full strength and mobility soon. In the meantime, I am learning a good deal about God and his matchless goodness.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Coram Deo