Lesson 265:
WITH A STRONG AND STEADY VOICE
Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas
The doctor came back with the tests results. The news was not good, especially for a man who made his living by talking. For just a moment the physician paused at the door to collect his composure. He slowly entered the waiting room.
Mrs. Blair was sitting in the waiting room with her eyes closed. She had not slept for what seemed an eternity but she could not leave her vigil. The doctor stepped in, called her name and slowly explained the prognosis.
“Mrs. Blair, Your husband survived the operation but the cancer cannot be contained. It has spread to his vocal cords and I fear that he will eventually lose his voice. He will be hard to understand and his voice will be but a whisper.”
Mrs. Blair looked up with tears streaming down her face. Her expression brought to the Doctor’s mind that the hardest part of being a physician was in sharing bad news.
“Doctor you don’t understand. My husband has been a minister for the past 28 years. This is what he is called to do and it will kill him if he cannot preach,” she exclaimed.
“I am so sorry,” stated the good physician.
“Have you told him yet?” She asked.
The doctor shook his head no.
“Please let me do it. He will take it better if it comes from me,” She stated in a matter of fact manner that only a loving wife would understand.
The doctor extended his hand and shook his head in agreement.
Mrs. Blair entered the room and greeted her husband with the same affection she did upon his arrival home from the church. Slowly she began leading to the news that she dreaded to share. Finally she told him of the seriousness of his affliction.
For a moment there was silence. Then he pointed to a pad and upon receiving if from his wife, he wrote a message. The words were those of faith and hope. ‘He will meet my needs according to His riches.’ She shook her head in agreement but with only a half hearted belief in the truth of those words. After all, the doctor had stated the worse.
The long road of recovery came but without improvement in his voice. Though he prayed for intercession, his voice was so frail and raspy that he could barely be heard. After six months he felt it his duty to resign from the church that he had ministered for 13 years. It was so hard to say goodbye to his flock, as they had all become family. There were tears, sobbing and prayers but nothing came. The preacher became resolved that he would never speak again nor be in a pulpit.
His wife had to go back to work in order to make ends meet and the preacher found himself running the gauntlet of emotions. He felt futile in his efforts and found himself wallowing in self pity. What could he do other than preach? Everybody knew of his plight but nothing could be done to help this fine man.
One day his old Sunday school class from his home town asked him if he would come and address them. His wife tried to explain that he did not have the voice to speak. But they were persistent. They even stated that he could put the microphone up to his larynx and they would be extra attentive. Reluctantly the preacher agreed to offer a short presentation.
Upon arriving at the church, the preacher noted that not only his old Sunday school class was there but also his whole congregation. They had purchased a very sensitive microphone for him to use. When he began speaking the people in the church listened quietly. The preacher began talking about his plight and the numerous unanswered prayers he had offered to God for His voice to return. With tears streaming from his eyes, he stated that sometimes we cannot fathom God’s intent and question His motives but there comes a time when we have to accept the bad things that happen in our lives. We must accept God’s will and praise Him in the storms.
One of the members of the congregation in the back of the church stood up and starting softly singing praises to God. Another joined in offering prayers and praise. The preacher continued talking, though he feared he would be drowned out by the worship.
He thought it best to attempt speaking louder although he feared he might strain or lose his voice. But his message on accepting God’s will and carrying the burden with humility was too important. Mustering as much ‘wind’ as he could from his lungs, he attempted to raise the volume of his voice.
Suddenly he felt a large lump in his throat and he coughed several times. Instinctively the preachers said excuse me. For just a moment there was complete silence in the church. Then the realization swept over the preacher and the congregation. He had said excuse me not in the old raspy diseased voice but spoke with a strong and steady voice. There were tears of rejoicing, shouts of gratitude and humility. Above them all, you could hear the praises and shouts of a preacher who had felt the touch of the Master’s hand after submitting himself to God’s will.
One of my favorite sayings is, ‘It is not that we suffer but how we suffer that matters.’ Romans 8:18 says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” In I Timothy 4:10 states, “For this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."
Many ask the question that has been pondered for generations, why do we suffer. If I could answer that, I am sure I would be approaching immortality. I don’t have the answer but the Bible does. When do most people pray or ask for prayers? Usually when they are sick or troubled. I wonder if the leper, found in Matthew 8:2, would have come to Jesus if he was in good health. Would the blind man in Luke 18:35 have sought Jesus if he was not afflicted? The Bible is filled with stories where our God touches people through their suffering. People call out and reach out to God because of their suffering. A good example would be King Nebuchadnezzar. Would he have humbled himself if he had not spent years on his hands and knees (Daniel 4:30-37)?
Apostle Paul suffered much for the sake of Christ and ended being executed for his faith. He said the following: Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)." He also said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)" The psalmist said, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalms 119:71) Finally, did not our Lord and Savior suffer ALL for mankind? Did He not willingly submit to the temptations, trials, and tortures of the flesh?
Our trials and tribulation on this earth pales in comparison to the unfathomable joys we shall experience for eternity when we bathe in the Light of the Lamb. Across the River there will be no sorrow, no pain, no tears or death. There will only be peace that passeth all understanding.
While on this earth, let us draw neigh unto God and He will draw neigh unto us. With a strong and steady voice, let us praise Him for each moment, each day; no matter our station, condition, or illness. For the suffering of this world shall pass and we will bask in perfect health for eternity. Speaking with a strong and steady voice, I am humbled by His goodness, the old general