Allow me to tell you my life story of the past couple months. No need to worry, it will be the quick version, then as always the lesson taught will be shared... so sit back, listen to the music and read along. Ready? OK, here it goes....
Mid-February, a weekend of severe pain. Two trips to the ER, first in San Diego, then home in Ontario. I was admitted to the hospital in Ontario for a few days. A week later, another round of pain in the low back and legs. That pain was new, so back to the ER for me. Admitted again, and the pain in the left leg especially persisted. I then lost my ability to walk. A week and a half later, a check-up with my neurologist, and primary doctor on the same day. While at my primary doctor's office, my body collapsed while sitting in my wheelchair. My doctor had no choice but to send me back to the ER, only this time by ambulance. Never been in one of them before. I spent 10 1/2 hours in the ER before the doctor decided to show up. That was a long and painful wait. When the doctor finally did show, he treated me like a I was an invalid child. Laura gave him a piece of her mind and we were all laughing at the fact that he ran out of the room and never to be seen again. I was admitted for the third time for a couple days. So that's the story in a nutshell.
What's up with me today? Well, I'm still learning to walk again. I've been in a wheelchair for about a month now. I"m getting stronger, but it has been a long process with physical therapy and exercises at home. I know why my dad referred to physical therapy as the torture chamber. It does help make me stronger but it does hurt. There hasn't been a real diagnosis to what has been the cause, other than bad side affects to the lumbar puncture and blood patch. I have continued to fight through the pain, in my legs, back, and abdominal area. My head has been it's normal self. It has been a month of frustrations and some discouraging times as well.
However, what I say often to myself is, "God's got this." That simple phrase says it all. No matter what doctors say to me, I'm not in their hands, I'm in God's hands. My life story has been about trust, patience, and endurance. God guides me and holds me through it all. He has a plan far greater than what I can imagine it to be. I know that God wants me to reach out to the hurting and lonely people of this world. He has called me to follow in His steps and walk in obedience to Him. It is painful, and it is hard, but with God on my side I can get through anything because, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
If you are struggling with pain of any kind today, know that you are not alone. Though it may seem like one dark tunnel ahead of you there is a light on the other side. One day you will reach that light. Trust in Jesus, He'll continue to light up your path and carry you through. No matter what you're going through, there is nothing that God can't handle. I understand it is a painful journey, but just remember that God's got this. If you need prayer, let me know how I can pray for you. Right now you can pray this prayer with me:
Father, the pain hurts. It hurts terribly. But oh how faithful you are. God I don't understand why it has been one thing after the other. I do know that You use each trial for a greater purpose. You promised me that. Please help me to trust You more. May I never forget that You are in control. Through all the storms of life You always lead the way. I can't remember a time when You weren't there for me. I can't remember a trial that You didn't comfort me. I know that no matter what You never will fail me. I love you Lord. I will continue to serve You until the day You call me home. In Jesus' name, Amen.
