Rats! Got to Lose Those Cataracts

My ophthalmologist drew close as he examined my eyes. "Hmm. they’re pretty thick." He pulled back. "When we removed the cataracts, maybe some sight will be restored, especially on the left eye." He patted my hand. "But I don’t want you to get your hopes up high, or disappointed or discouraged if it doesn’t happen."

Discouraged? Having lived with no sight at all for 23 years and faced episodes of trauma that threatened to consume me, could that warning from the Doctor discourage me? No way.

Of course, I didn’t gush those details. But I just smiled and said, "I'm not worried."

Ugh. What a lame phrase, right? I couldn’t think of a way to tell him that abundance fills my life, enthusiasm fuels my days and joy percolates in my heart.

Cataracts or not, sight or not, discouragement is a word I had stuffed in the garbage disposal of life a long time ago.

Here’s my motto:

Discouragement deepens into despair when we fail to delight and digest the daily bread of God’s Word.

Should I miss one day, discouragement triggered by disappointment is sure to knock at my door.

When I read the message below from In-Touch Ministries by Dr. Charles Stanley, I kept nodding, "Yes, that’s true. That happened to me. Yep, so true!"

So, I hope you agree as you read how poison can dribble down from the cup of discouragement.

Nehemiah 2:1-9

“At one time or another, disappointment affects us all. It may even cause temporary feelings of letdown. But if we’re disappointed repeatedly, discouragement may set in. That can affect us in a variety of ways.

First, our mind becomes divided. We have difficulty concentrating. No matter where we are or who is with us, we keep thinking about the disappointment.

Next, we place blame. It’s easy to imagine we’ll feel better by blaming the problem on someone else. We may get down on ourselves for our mistakes.

Or, we might even point the finger at God for allowing the trial. As our attitude deteriorates, we start focusing on what we dislike or don’t have.

Anger is another consequence. We lash out because people or circumstances fail us. Our unresolved anger often drives people away and increases our disappointment.

In time, discouragement leads to unwise decisions. With a divided mind, wrong focus, negative attitude, and unresolved anger, we won’t think clearly or act in ways that please God.

We can learn how to defeat discouragement from Nehemiah’s story. After praying, we must look to God in anticipation of what He’ll do. The Lord moved the king’s heart to show favor toward Nehemiah. The king provided him with soldiers and supplies for rebuilding Jerusalem. Nehemiah accepted the help and moved forward.

God will move hearts and send people to help us in discouraging times. Will you look to the Lord and accept the assistance He sends?"

So, This Tuesday, Aug. 7, when my cataracts are removed from my right eye, the results won’t disappoint me. Instead, relishing in the freedom of trusting in god, the procedure will give me one more reason to praise Him—whether vision is restored a tiny bit or none at all.

I hope you’re not allowing discouragement to drain you, but instead, you’re scooping bits of joy from the banquet of His Word.

Janet

P.S. You’re probably wondering why would a completely blind person have cataracts removed. Doctor said they’re so thick, fluid might build leading to infection…Yuck! So off they go.

(Don’t forget to come back and read the secret on Aug. 14^th.)