"When
I got sick, I knew it was time to get right with God. Sometimes the
Lord gives us a big spanking to call our attention and causes us to
go to Him. I got so scared when it was confirmed that I was
seriously ill. My spiritual condition nagged at me. I walked away
from God and stayed that way for a long time. Often I thought
about going back to Him but I never acted on it.
After
a few years, the reality of my illness hit me and I cried. I have
wandered off the path very often but I knew that God was there. I
figure that without this illness, I would never have turned back to
God. Though I'd like to be healed, and wish this never happened,
God is able to turn it around for an eternal purpose.
I
don't believe God is making me suffer for the past.
He is not a God Who enjoys giving punishment. He is a God of
healing and restoration, not a God of destruction. We are the
ones who do that. God had a beautiful plan for me. I didn't
walk according to His plan. Now I'm back with Him and realize
how much more eternity means to me in relationship to what life means
now. God is more concerned with the condition of my soul than
my physical being. I feel
that God loves me so much that He doesn't want me to go astray. Possibly
God allowed this sickness to get my attention.
I
don't understand so many things, but I'm hanging on to His promises.
God knows my heart and the desires of my heart. He knows everything
about me. Certain things will be revealed to me when I meet
Him face to face ... and I am looking forward to it, you know.
So when I go, wish me von voyage!"
Rodel met Jesus, his Saviour, face to face
on June 11, 1995.
The above statement
was recorded in a taped interview by Rauni Salminen of Philip Aziz
Centre.
