I like the conversation Bob Benson recounts in his book, See You at the House, about his friend who had a heart attack. For a while it seemed his friend wouldn’t make it, but he recovered. Months later Bob asked him, “Well, how did you like your heart attack?” “It scared me to death, almost.” “Would you do it again?” “No!” “Would you recommend it?” Bob asked. “Definitely not.”
And then Bob said, “Does your life mean more to you now than it did before?” “Well, yeah.” “You and your wife always had a beautiful marriage, but are you closer now more than ever?” “Yes.” “Do you have a new compassion for people—a deeper understanding and sympathy?” “Yes, I do.” “Do you know the Lord in richer fellowship than you’d ever realized?” “Yes.” And then Bob said, “So how did you like your heart attack?”
You know Deuteronomy 11:2 says, “Remember what you’ve learned about the Lord through your experience with Him.” You do that, my friend, and your mess will become your message.
