"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."(NKJV) Lamentations 3:22-23
I never fully understood the meaning of this quote until late August 1, 2012. A few days before that fateful day, I had gone to the hospital for a tooth extraction. The extraction seemed to have been successful until the next day when I started experiencing the aftermath. In the space of four days, my whole face had swollen beyond recognition. The only thing that could salvage the situation was a surgical operation which was scheduled for August 1, 2012.
The operation lasted nearly two hours without any anesthesia. My face was cut in three sections and fluid forcibly drained from it. Surgical drains were inserted into my face and partially sealed. My jaw was locked and for two weeks, I couldn’t eat anything. Two other people with the same medical condition were also operated that day but only one survived. Sadly the other also died three days after. The doctors also thought the same fate will befall me but God was in control. My recovery was so miraculous that all the doctors, nurses and everyone who saw my initial condition were astonished. Deep within I knew I had been given a second chance at life. A chance to be better than I was before and to live a more acceptable life in the sight of my Creator.
In times of crisis, we grasp the importance of every hour and every second. However, during our ordinary routine, we often forget that each day is a second chance. The chance to live a pure and undefiled life before God. We have to live with gratitude for God’s mercy and grace, with confidence in His faithful care, and with hope because He is with us forever. Today, God offers us a second chance in life. Let’s make the most of it!
Sometimes in tragedy we find our life’s purpose. The eye sheds a tear to find its focus – Robert Brault.