-Beautiful Wounds-

Today is deer opener. I decided to grab a book from the shelf before heading out to the woods. I have been wanting to read Tortured for Christ for quite some time now, so I thought today was the day. I honesty didn't really intend to read very much of it. I figured I would get distracted by the hunt and not read more then a few pages, but it turned out the exact opposite. I sat down by a tree for a few minutes because I thought I heard some footsteps and twig snaps. As I began to read Richard Wurmbrand's story, I was so moved that I couldn't put it down. I had in fact become so engrossed in the story I had completely forgotten about the deer until I was started by it's presence only a short distance away. It was creeping up on me to check out what/who I was and I hadn't even noticed. It quickly ran off as soon as I looked up and met eye to eye with it. I began a quiet stalk, but shortly gave up because I wanted to get back to my book.
As I sat reading, my heart and soul were moved and stirred and I couldn't help but think "if this is all I get at the end of the weekend, the hunt was more productive than all the years past."
I am still only half way through this incredible story, but what I can say already is that Richard Wurmbrand knew what it meant to bear on his body the marks of Christ. He knew what it meant to lose his life in this world so he could find it. He tasted death in this life so that he might taste the everlasting joys to come. He got it. He loved Christ. He loved the gospel.
I am under some heavy conviction- it's good. Really good. I have been lavished with grace. I don't ever again want to complain about missing Taylor in a self-centered/self-pity kind of way. What kindness and rich blessing God has bestowed on me. I know nothing of suffering. I know nothing of the wounds of Christ. I want to be as closely knit and united with Christ as I possibly can be, and if this will come through being united with Him in his sufferings, I know and trust God will be enough. God will strengthen. God will uphold. And not for a moment will He let His righteous right hand fall. Not for a moment will He allow our branch to be removed and separated from the Vine. Not for a moment will He turn His back on His beloved-
I feel very sobered. I feel I will not be a the same after reading this book- I pray I never am.