Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV
Ten years and two months plus a few days ago, I had a full hip replacement surgery. It did not go well. I got an infection with weeks and weeks of antibiotics, one of which almost killed me. When I was finally able to walk again, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The pain associated with CRPS is most often at the top of the McGill Pain Scale. When the water from the shower hurts you, clothes - anything - touching your skin, sheets, blankets must be the softest possible to be even close to bearable. Sometimes, the very breeze from a fan could send me over the edge.
By the grace of God, I have a high tolerance when it comes to pain, but I cannot tell you the number of times I cried myself to sleep, begging God to just let me die rather than go through one more day of it! Nevertheless, Thy will be done... And faithful friends and family prayer warriors, without whose prayers I would have been undone.
For the first couple of years, I questioned my purpose for being alive. I wallowed in the pain and self-pity. Then, as I stopped navel-gazing and asking why, I finally recognized the truth that nothing comes into my life without going through God. I surrendered it to Him instead of trying to fight it by myself. There were days when I considered it a victory to just get out of bed. I remember one night in particular, crying out to God that there was no way I could do this the rest of my life, and I felt in my heart that He asked, "Can you do it just for today? Today is all I ask of you." So, that's what we did. One day at a time. I didn't know if I would ever catch my healing on this side of Heaven, but I learned that every day I woke up, I had purpose. If only to encourage one person. If only to offer a Promise for Today. If I could be a listening ear. Hold a hand. And God's grace poured out. Grace enough for today. To embrace His Word, such as our text for today. And 2 Corinthians 12:9, that His grace is sufficient, and numerous other verses to stand on the foundation of His Word.
THEN, I woke up one morning recently and there was NO nerve pain. I thought perhaps I had died, but when I opened my eyes, I was still here. For 3 days, it was like being in shock. I'd forgotten what it felt like to be without violent nerve pain. It's indescribable. And I am beyond grateful to God!
This is the shortened version, but know that I have received the miracle of healing from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Ten years and two months plus a few days later. Don't give up, Dear Ones. As long as you are drawing breath, you have purpose. God is faithful.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that everything is a teaching moment with You, to strengthen our faith and trust in You, to bring us closer to You, to open our eyes to see beyond our circumstances, and learn who You are in Your fullness. Thank You that Your power is made perfect in our weaknesses. It is Your breath in our lungs and we praise You with every one. Help us to always keep our focus on You and our hearts receptive to Your leading. And help us to see those around us who have needs. We want to be Your hands and feet and love extended. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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