The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

Trouble is a universal adversary. It comes in a variety of forms. It is sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes psychological, sometimes spiritual. Yet, it is always accompanied with some form of anxiety. The word trouble (tsarah) means

affliction, anguish, distress. Paul describes his trouble as “a thorn in the flesh,” for which he “entreated the LORD three times that it might depart” from him (2 Cor. 12:7-8). Yet, the LORD’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you…” (v. 9).

More than 10 years ago, I elected to undergo surgery on my right hand. I have what is called “Dupuytren’s conjecture.” It’s an “abnormal thickening and tightening of the normally loose and flexible tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers,” and it impedes the normal usage of the hand. In can be compared with sin, in that it always returns.

Paul, you will recall, petitioned the LORD three times for the alleviation of his malady. And each time, the LORD said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

I lay no claim with Paul’s malady, but I am earnestly trusting our LORD’s power to avail for me in this situation. I am not looking for sympathy, I am writing to encourage you who have truly serious conditions that through prayers of faith you may know the LORD’s strength and comfort.

To those of you who have not committed your natural, sinful nature to Him, I appeal to you all the more. Sin is not merely a physical condition; it is a spiritual condition with eternal consequences. Turning to Christ in faith, and repenting of personal sin is the sure and only method of spiritual rescue. My prayers reach out for you.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom