PEACE FROM THE POISON - The Warrior's Journey®
Faithfulness

PEACE FROM THE POISON

Author: David Causey, USA (Ret.)

california. Photo by The U.S. Army is licensed under CC By 2.0

Some of the most painful and deadly animal venoms and toxins are being used to cure diseases in people.

For instance, the venom of the yellow Israeli scorpion has shown great success in fighting cancerous brain tumors. The poison from the male duckbilled platypus has proven effective as both a pain killer and an antibiotic.

Hurting or Curing

Bee venom has long been used to treat arthritis, adrenal problems, thyroid problems, neurological conditions and a host of others. Painkillers have been extracted from poisonous Ecuadorian frogs that are 200 times more powerful than morphine. Snake venoms are known to contain ACE inhibitors that are highly successful in fighting hypertension and heart disease. The deadly poisons of the tropical cone snail have been used successfully. Poisons used to treat an array of diseases, including cancer and epilepsy. The cone snail’s toxins also contain a painkiller 1000 times more potent than morphine! The list goes on. But it shows that the very things that hurt us also show so much promise in curing our ailments and healing our bodies.

As I think back on the venomous words and deeds of others, I wonder if the pain they’ve caused me has had a similar healing effect. Perhaps we cannot explain how it happens, but as the Psalmist has said, “It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71). For sure, emotional pain can be very effective in driving us into the embrace of our Heavenly Father—the place of ultimate healing. The words of healing which we receive from God become a remedy for our souls. And we can apply these same cures to the hearts of others. People who suffer in similar ways (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

God Uses it for Good

Certainly, this is no excuse for anyone to be abusive with his words or actions. God commands us to love—for love does no injury to its neighbor and is, therefore, the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8–10). But it is encouraging to know that the words and deeds which others intend for evil, our loving and sovereign Heavenly Father intends for good (Genesis 50:20). Moses explained it this way; God turns our curses into blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5). Paul said God works all things together for good to those who love God and to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

So don’t let bitterness take root in your soul. Consider Jesus Who endured such evil from others so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3). Remember that God loves you and He will transform the toxins and poisons of hurtful people and use them as cures for your soul.

PRAYER:

Dear Father in heaven, when others spew their poison at me and lash me with their tongues, it hurts so badly that my heart is like a container of broken glass, tumbling over and over. O Lord, bring healing to my heart. Turn my attention to Jesus, who blessed those who cursed him and prayed for his oppressors. And, please dear Lord, turn the venom into a miracle medicine that will bring ultimate healing to my soul. Amen.


In article photo: A Sailor holds a snake to show students from the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School during a community service event by Official U.S. Navy Page licensed under U.S. Gov Works

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