STUNG

It hurts to get stung.


And it really hurts when words do the stinging.

The venom goes deep and keeps stinging, even after the heart has yielded to forgiveness.

Bumblebees collect nectar in a special stomach called the honey stomach, where the nectar remains undigested.  The nectar is carried back to the hive where worker bees convert it into honey.


The venom is carried in my heart.  And until God speaks to it, it too remains undigested. And it continues to sting.

And in His time, He does speak.


He asks, "Cheri, what do you think about those words?"

"Do you think they are true?"

I answer, "No." Yet the sting continues.


And then He speaks again.

"Cheri, what do you think I say about those words?"

My stinging heart searches.


Then it remembers.

And I know, even in the stinging, what is true.

He really does use all things for my good.


"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."  Romans 8:28-29