In Part I I explained the doctrine of living the resurrected life; this part will give an example of it.
I had been needing some dental work for awhile and finally scheduled two appointments. Usually trips to the dentist are not fun and are filled with anxiety, a little fear, and pain. However, this time it was different.
In the past I would feel anxious before going. This time I remembered how Jesus looked to the joy set before Him instead of the impending pain – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2.
So I put on the mind of Christ and adopted this mindset. A half hour before I had to leave I thought of being able to chew fully with my right-side molars without any food getting stuck. Having that focus instead of any potential pain gave me a joyful spirit.
When I arrived and the dentist was about to give the numbing shot I was so joyful that the pressure of the needle didn’t bother me. As she repaired the two molars God enabled me to maintain a cheery disposition.
They gave me an iPod so I was able to listen to Christian hymns which really kept my focus on Him. This gave me the victory as I sailed through the two and a half hour appointment! I had employed Ephesians 5:19.
When the dentist completed her work I drove home feeling great (along with a numbed jaw) thanking the Lord! A couple of hours later the numbness wore off and the resulting day and a half of soreness was dwarfed by God’s provision by grace- “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
The second appointment a week later saw the two left-side molars’ crowns replaced. This was a bit longer and more intense. There was some heavy drilling and tugging of cement that drew out this appointment a half hour longer than the previous appointment. But, again, God’s grace was sufficient and I spent the remainder of the day rejoicing.
The Lord again was faithful in bringing me through it instead of me somehow avoiding it – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
I have fond memories of these two dental appointments and am grateful to God for once again delivering me!
“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” – Psalm 57:1-2