36 Hours
January 27
The tongue has the power of life and death…
Proverbs 18:21
Greg was frustrated with his physician’s apparent insensitivity to his chronic health issues. Motivated by the discomfort he’d been experiencing for over two months he said, “I wish he could experience what I've been going through for just 36 hours, Lord! Then, maybe he’d have a little empathy!”
Seeking distraction, Greg decided to mow the lawn and get in a quick work out. With the two tasks complete, he headed for the shower. As he rinsed his hair some water got in his ear. Greg shook his head to clear it. The results of that little act were devastating! Immediately he became disoriented, unable to stand without support. His eyesight diminished and his breathing became labored. He struggled to rinse off; getting dried and into his clothes left him completely exhausted. His symptoms worsened with each passing moment, and by the time he reached the living room he believed he was having a stroke.
Stumbling to the phone, he called his wife. When she and her sister (an LPN) arrived, Greg was sitting on the couch, sweating profusely, unable to raise his arms or legs. His face was getting numb on the right side, and his speech was slurred. They dialed 911.
Three hours later, the ER Doctor diagnosed Greg: “You've had a severe vestibular inner-ear event. It is a disorder that can strike the nervous system as well, for unknown reasons, causing multiple symptoms. A cascading effect from pressure in your inner ear affected your Vagus nerve, which in turn began shutting down parts of your nervous system.”
Greg was released, yet experienced diminished symptoms until he awakened on Sunday morning. It was then he realized the event lasted about 36 hours. Greg heard God say, “Your words carry power. Be careful with them.”
†
Did God give Satan permission to show Greg the error of his ways? One thing is for sure, whether the enemy asked or not, God allowed it to happen.
Greg spoke out of frustration, and perhaps he had good reason, yet his words were not without effect. Everything we say aloud can be heard by Satan and his minions, and whether we believe it or not they act on that knowledge. Even in our deepest frustration, to ask God to inflict misery on another is foolish.
Our words can be soothing and edifying. Or, they can bring devastation on a scale we have not yet imagined.
Prayer
“Help me be conscious of what I say. Lord. Make me aware of the power of spoken words. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
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