A Lesson from Bad Fish

*DISCLAIMER: Some references might be a bit TMI, but they illustrate the message.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" Psalm 139: 14

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23

Saturday night started out perfectly. Our sitter arrived, the kids were eager to play with her, and Scott and I were free to enjoy dinner and a movie. Ahhh, time together. All continued to go smoothly when we arrived at Outback. We hadn't been in quite some time, despite our history there (some of you may know that our first date was at Outback), and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that there wasn't a wait (shocking, I know, but maybe it had something to do with us arriving at 5!). 

We ordered, then talked while we waited for our meals, fish (mine) and steak (Scott's). Our food finally arrived, and neither of us was disappointed. The fish was perfect: Mahi mahi topped with artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and a lemon sauce. It hit the spot, satisfying a craving I didn't know I had.

Next up, the new James Bond movie (definitely recommend it!). We made it in time for the 6:30 showing (the time is important, especially since the movie is about 2.5 hours long), found decent seats, and got comfortable. Sometime during the movie, I started feeling slightly uncomfortable. My once satiated tummy was twisting and turning, and not in the regular digestion sense. (Leah had the stomach bug last week, so that was at the back of my mind, too.) Still, I lost myself (mostly) in the movie, willing the gurglings to pass... and made it safely through the movie (though I was only too happy to be heading home). 

We made it home... and none too soon. Scott bid our sitter good-bye, as I was incapacitated in the facilities... where I also spent the first half of the night (well, alternating between there and bed). Chills, aches, and fever accompanied my hourly visits to the bathroom, until, finally, my body had nothing left to expel. And then... rest.

Sunday, feeling much better after two naps, I had a chance for some quiet time and reflection. Funny how I could then see God's hand (in a positive way) even in the midst of food poisoning. 

First, Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." How grateful I am that God designed our bodies in such a way to remove the harmful bacteria that I had inadvertently ingested. Here was something delicious yet dangerous... and I had no idea. Yet God, in His ingenuity, gifted my body with another defensive mechanism (though certainly not pleasant) to protect me from greater harm. How amazing!

Second, Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." My dinner was beautiful, delicious, much like sin. How often have I relished in my sin, excusing it or justifying it because it "looked" acceptable by society's standards? Yet smothering it in a delectable sauce doesn't change it; it's still sin, it's still deadly, and it still separates me from God. 

BUT... there's hope for I know that Jesus died for my sins. He suffered the pain of my sin-- separation from our Holy God and Father-- even though He was perfect. Even though, he did nothing wrong. Yet suffer He did so that He could rise again, interceding on behalf of believers, forgiving us, and allowing us to avoid the physical, emotional, and spiritual anguish that our sin deserves. 

So, thank you, Lord, for bad fish. For a physical reminder of what I won't have to endure because I know my faith and trust are in you. In whom is your faith and trust? May it be "the author and perfecter of our faith (Jesus), who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12: 2).