Monday, August 1, 2011

Infection!


The process was uncomfortable. Painful. The infection had to be drained from the wound and several supportive stitches added to draw the skin back together. Time for the healing to begin again so I can get back to using my muscles like they were meant to be used!

The incision had been healing nicely. But then the site started to bleed, and the skin around the sutures became red and irritated. What was going on? My husband, Steve, had done an excellent job cleaning the area and covering it with the sterile bandages. Maybe I was just being paranoid, and this was all a part of the healing process. But each time Steve changed the dressing, I couldn't help flinching when even the slightest pressure was applied to the wound.

After a few days, I finally called my dermatologist. When I described what was going on, the receptionist told me it was very likely that an infection had developed. Oral antibiotics and topical antibiotic ointment were prescribed, and I was told to head over to the emergency room if I began vomiting or running a fever. Fortunately, the antibiotics worked, so I was able to avoid a trip to the hospital.

Sin in my life can act a lot like an infection. I don't give it much thought at first, but when it begins to cause some damage, I can no longer ignore it. I have a choice to make: allow it to fester, causing additional damage, or purge it from my system.

Throughout the Bible, God draws a parallel between leaven, or yeast, and sin. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul states very clearly, "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened," (1 Corinthians 5:6-7a; KJV). When yeast is added to bread dough, it rises. It's impossible for only part of the dough to rise. All of it WILL be affected.

This principle holds true in my life as well. When I allow sin in my life, it has the characteristics of yeast, spreading in my life, much like an infection. It affects my relationship with God and can even affect those around me. Time to call on the Lord for help. Purging sin from my life is the only way fellowship can be restored with my Savior. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9).

Purging sin from my life has an added benefit - God can once again use me to point others to Jesus Christ. Timothy clarifies this point, "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity...If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work," (2 Timothy 2:19, 21).

Today I'm eager to examine my life and purge any sin that will cause 'infection.' And to become a sanctified vessel of honor, ready to be used by my Master!

Is sin causing an 'infection' in your life? What steps will you take to purge sin from your life today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the importance of purging sin from my life. Help me to pray with the Psalmist, David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalm 139:23-24). In Jesus' name, Amen.

19 comments:

  1. This sounds like a worrisome and painful ordeal, and it sounds like you are healing. Hurray for that. Healing for our bodies and for our souls is a blessing, and as you said, when we stop our sinning we can again point people to Jesus.

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  2. Terra - Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Yes, it's been a bit more of an ordeal than I bargained for. Just had a mole removed several weeks ago that needed some further attention. Unfortunately, the infection followed the first round of stitches. Think I'm on the mend now, though! Love how the Lord brings truths to our minds even with the most unusual of circumstances. If it wouldn't have happened, I wouldn't have written today's post! God is good! Have a wonderful day full of His blessings! :)

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  3. I've learned that anger, while not a sin in itself, can have the same effects of infection if allowed to fester. Purging with kindness and healing with the antibiotic of forgiveness is the only cure.

    Great post. As always, Maria, it got me thinking! Thanks!
    Blessings <><

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  4. I just read that passage about yeast this weekend - I had some purging to do myself:) I love that He doesn't let us just "fester" but allows His Holy Spirit to call attention to the area. We have to give it up, but thankfully He'll always heal it.

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  5. You are so right. When we let sin go, it begins to eat away at us and grow until we become sick. The sooner we deal with the sin, the sooner it gets cleared up!

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  6. Glad you're on the mend. Just about the time it gets tender, the Holy Spirit goes to work. I've learned the hard way not to let things fester in my life.

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  7. Marji - Always appreciate it when you stop by. You're right about anger! "Purging with kindness and healing with the antibiotic of forgiveness is the only cure." Wonderfully insightful statement! Hope you have a great week, my friend. Hugs and blessings!

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  8. Susan - Good to see you! Great point about the Holy Spirit doing His convicting work so sin doesn't 'fester' in our lives. Love the way He fills us with all the right things when we let the 'junk' go! Have a super blessed week!

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  9. Shanda - Thanks for stopping by! I like the way you worded this, "When we let sin go, it begins to eat away at us and grow until we become sick." It's no surprise that when we allow sin to grow, our spiritual growth is stunted. That's motivation enough to purge all that's holding us back! Hope your week is fantastic. God bless you!

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  10. Jessica - Nice to see you! Thanks for your well-wishes. Definitely feeling much better! Funny how sometimes we can let sin fester (maybe a wrong attitude, etc.)without even realizing it! It's very helpful for me to pray those words of David that I included in the prayer, so I consciously give the Lord permission to search me and point out those things that are displeasing to Him.

    Hope you have a terrific week, filled with His blessings!

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  11. Hope you are on the mend and got a little extra rest.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  12. Glenda - Great to see you! How are you? Thanks for your well-wishes. I am doing MUCH better today - thanks to removal of the infection and good old antibiotics! Have a fantastically blessed day!

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  13. Hi dear Maria, Loved this post and whether an infection spreads quickly or slowly it still affects us-be it in the physical body or the spiritual one. The result is the same and the quicker we can get rid of any infection, even small ones, the better we will be.
    Hugs today.
    Noreen

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  14. Glad you are healing now. Thanks for the reminder to be mindful of things that hinder His work in our lives.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  15. Noreen - Great to see your smiling face! Good insights too - "whether an infection spreads quickly or slowly it still affects us-be it in the physical body or the spiritual one." I have to say I agree. I felt pretty puny on Friday and Saturday before the antibiotic was able to do its thing! Best to be rid of the infection! Have a very blessed week! Hugs!

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  16. Karen - Good to see you! Thanks for the well-wishes. I can already tell a big difference thanks to the removal of the infected material and the antibiotics. Have a great week and God bless! :)

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  17. So true...our lives should point to Him. That cannot happen when there is sin that we refuse to deal with. Thanks for the reminder to be alert and quick to repent that I, too, might be a vessel that brings my Father honor.

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  18. Love this reminder. Sin gets in the way of the most wonderful blessing of all. Spending time with The Master. If there is sin, known sin, and I do not ask forgiveness, God doesn't come to our special meeting place when I'm there. I always want Him to meet up with me at our appointed time.

    I always want to bring glory and honor to Him. <3 Have missed you, Maria. Thanks for the prayers for my Christopher. I'll be thankful when it is this time next week and he's doing fine.

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  19. Sister, I LOVE how you use everyday life to listen to the Lord and express His voice through your posts. It is just TRULY inspiring and encouraging!!!!
    Blessings and hugs,
    Cherie

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