Saturday, June 27, 1998
Saturday, June 27, 1998
For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by
the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19
NRSV)
Catherine Marshall, the author of many fine books including the bestseller, CHRISTY, and the
widow of the well-known pastor Peter Marshall, was told during a routine physical checkup on
March 20, 1943, that she was infected with tuberculosis. It was a devastating blow! The doctors
ordered her to bed twenty-four hours a day. There she waited. And waited. In her book
BEYOND OUR SELVES Catherine notes that fifteen months later she had gained some fifteen
pounds. Otherwise nothing was changed. The area of infection was as widespread as the
beginning. Other specialists were consulted. They had no answers, and could only recommend
more bed rest. When Catherine and her husband Peter asked how long, the doctors replied that
they had no idea.
Writing in retrospect, Catherine described this time as three weary, endless years. Over and over
she asked the question, "Why, oh why do I have to lie here month after month? Why can't the
doctors do something?"
Yet it was during this time that Catherine learned many important spiritual lessons. She became
keenly aware that there were no shortcuts. God alone was in charge. She learned to deal
ruthlessly and fully with sin in her life. She committed her life completely to Jesus Christ as Lord
during that time. The seeds of her ministry of writing--a ministry that has touched thousands of
people--were planted during this period of waiting and rest. She developed an increasingly strong
faith in God's ability to heal. At first she was told there was no progress. Then x-rays began to
show progress. And finally she was pronounced well. In addition, as her faith was strengthened,
Catherine Marshall was able to reach out with word and pen and encourage others.
Catherine Marshall's successful life is marked by obedience and trust. There are many things too
deep for us to fathom, but we can still trust and obey our Father in heaven.
Prayer: God of all, I may not know all that I would like to, but may I be faithful in my
obedience and trust of you. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA