Oh, My Aching Back!
It’s been 3 weeks since my back surgery. (I injured it right after I returned from Lesotho, South Africa.) The recovery has been slower than I had originally (and foolishly) anticipated. I’m still struggling with pain as well as not having much feeling or function in my left leg and foot. I’m not very patient so this has been a real challenge. Needless to say God has re-arranged my life. I’m working daily on my rehab. Life consists of exercise, ice and rest and more rest.
On the positive side, it has allowed me much more time with God to evaluate life and pray about changes needed in my personal life and in my ministry. I’ve seen how often I push myself to the limit at the expense of my body, mind and spirit.
To encourage me, as well as others, share with us how God has used suffering in your life to build your faith and character.
Dear Mike,
The Lord will see you through your backache. I had numbness in my right hand occasionaloly for about 5 yrs. I plead to the Lord that He will heal me and He did.
Here is an article I retrievcd from Truthmedia which is encouraging.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest (find stability) in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
She listened to my concern over my child’s behavior. “Next week it will be something else, she smiled and casually commented. She was right. What was consuming me at that moment had seemed so big, yet before long it did change and a life lesson became evident to me. Change is a constant we can count on. Sometimes we embrace the changes and enjoy the adventure. Other times the changes are hard and we wrestle against them. Sometimes we initiate them. Other times they come as an unwelcome intruder. No one is exempt from change. It may come gradually and we adjust or it may come like an earthquake and rock our foundations.
This week I spoke with several in the midst of change. One was grieving and could not stop crying. Another was newly engaged with a sparkle in her eye that matched her diamond ring. Another has serious health issues while another faces uncertainty with an aging parent. Still another one longs for changes that are too slow in coming. I too have some question marks in my life…you may too.
Changes, both those that are welcome and those that are not, can leave us with a feeling of instability. And instability doesn’t feel good. Instability is like walking on a slippery path or maneuvering over uneven terrain. When we feel that instability and the downward pull of it, there is help. We can ask God to steady us. He is aware of all that is happening in our individual lives and He longs to stabilize us through the transitions and changes. He invites us to sit in His presence and talk with Him and listen to Him.
Listen to the promise… “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest (find stability) in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
God reminds us that we can live in security with Him. He knows where we are. He knows what is happening in our lives. He asks us to camp out on the certainty that He will give us rest and stability through all the changes as we stay close to Him. He will take our arm and help us over the uneven terrain. He will even carry us when it becomes too hard.
Whatever change you are facing today, whether it is one you sought out or one you wished had not happened, reach out to God and let Him steady you. Tell Him where you feel unstable whether it is in your emotions, your physical strength, your wisdom, your finances or your future. To dwell in Him means to keep your communication open with
Him, tell Him what you feel. Then listen for Him to speak to you through His Word, through other people and through your spirit by His Holy Spirit. He will direct you and He will give you stability as you walk one step at a time.
Father God, Hold me steady today as I work through the changes in my life. Give me stability as I draw near toYou. Thank you for Your faithful strength to see me through
uncertainty. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.
Assuring you of my prayers.
Ching choo (Malaysia)
July 21st, 2008 at 12:27 amMay the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon You and give you the peace that surpasses all human understanding.
I Am The Lord YOur God That Heals You has your name written on the palms of His hand. He will heal you and uphold you with His mighty right hand. He will strengthen His people. God has Your back and He hides you in the shadow of His wings. Right now just rest in Him. Enter into His rest. Delight yourself in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He is watching over you.
July 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm