Joni Eareckson in 2017 observed the following about her devastating accident that had left her paralyzed for 50 years:
“God allows all sorts of things he doesn’t approve of. God hated the torture, injustice, and treason that led to the crucifixion. Yet he permitted it so that the world’s worst murder could become the world’s only salvation.”
Charles Stanley in his book “Facing Adversity”, talked about Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ that kept Paul humble. He added that it additionally may have kept Paul from burning himself out! How likely is it Paul would have taken the time he did in places and traveled with others on mission trips if he had had the freedom to move at will and without the need of support from others?
I talked with a friend I had not seen for a while. She had taken a fall and broken bones in both arms. It disadvantaged her in many ways, making her entirely dependent on others for assistance with activities of daily living. But the way friends and family stepped up to care for her brought immeasurable blessings, especially in time spent with her elementary age grandchildren. She said that she had such peace from God who had shown her that this circumstance was not for her alone. What had been intended for harm by the enemy had been turned into much good for her and others.
The measure of God’s mercy and redemption and power to bring good from and even joy out of suffering overwhelms me at times.