Glorying in tribulation
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Last night we received one of the great blessings in life. Many of you read and prayed about Pastor Luis Ortegón, the pastor who was not expected to live after the van he was working on collapsed on his face. His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. While he still has several significant obstacles to overcome, he doing much better. Last night he shared a testimony at church (in the picture--he's wearing sun glasses because bright lights still bother him), detailing some of what the Lord has done since his accident last August 21st . The passage he spoke was Rom. 5:3, " And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also." He said that the most marvelous time of his life has been since his accident. "The most fruitful time in my ministry has been since August 21st," he said. Pastor Ortegón has been pastoring that church for the last 3 and a half years. The response in that community has been extremely slow. Although they have visited every house in that community at least twice, the response had been very cold. After his accident Pastor Ortegón was concerned about how he would be able to effectively ministry. Because he still has much difficulty walking, he is not able to go out visiting. However, the Lord has been doing unusual things. Since that time the community has been coming to him, seeking help. He told of one couple that came to his door at midnight. In their hands they had their divorce papers, which they were going to sign in the morning. At 2:30am they were praying to accept Christ as their Savior and willingly tore up the divorce papers. Since that time they have been faithfully attending the services. Another couple came to his house late one night. The wife told Pastor Ortegón that her husband had bought a gun and was going to kill his family and then commit suicide. He had even set up the family pictures and used them as target practice! The man said that he simply did not want to go on living. After talking for several hours, they went to the house, found the gun, destroyed it, and that couple then accepted Christ. They have also been faithfully attending the services since that time. The Gospel truly is powerful! Pastor Ortegón told of several other similar situations. In each case, the desperately needy people came to him, seeking help. We read about how we can glory in tribulation. We know that God can work all things for His glory and our good; yet we often have a hard time really trusting Him. Last night we were privileged to personally see one of those experiences that seem to happen only in Christian biographies. Truly the Lord’s hand is not shortened nor is His power limited.
Pastor Ortegón said that many people had commented on how much he must have suffered during that time. He said, "Brethren, I have not suffered at all. Do you know why? Because we glory in tribulations."
Wow, truly God is still omnipotent.