Yesterday, Sunday, I woke with a sore back which isn't unusual. I sat and drank a cup of coffee and warmed up my tight muscles on a heating pad, then proceeded to get ready for church. While choosing what I'd wear, my back did its thing, and the next thing I knew I was shuffling to the closest chair and praying I didn't end up on the floor.
It wasn't the first time this had happened. I hoped it would pass quickly. I didn't want to miss church. However, my desires were not to be. Instead, I've been laid up for two days, though I'm happy to say the spasm is giving up some of its power.
I did all the things I know to do--ice, heat and medications. I also admit to shedding a few tears of frustration, which thankfully God understands. And I prayed a lot.
This afternoon, I'm finally able to sit in my chair and work on my computer. Before working, though, I read today's devotional from Jesus Calling. God is so good! He always knows what I need to hear. I want to share the entry with you.
"My peace is like a shaft of golden Light shining on you continuously. During days of bright sunshine, it may blend in with your surroundings. On darker days, My Peace stands out in sharp contrast to your circumstances. See times of darkness as opportunities for My Light to shine in transcendent splendor. I am training you to practice Peace that overpowers darkness. Collaborate with Me in this training. Do not grow weary and lose heart."
Blessed Lord, thank you!
It is His brightness that stands out against the darkness. If we can praise Him for the dark days we will find the peace God speaks of. It is in our times of weakness that we realize our strength is in Him and it is the trials that teach us to trust in His perfection.
It is clear I need a lot more training, but I will not give up or give in.
Praying you will see the brilliance of His Light.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
You are one of the few people that I think gets how I live.
ReplyDelete"If my back is okay, I can..." is something I think every night before I go to sleep.
If my friends see me close my eyes and grimace, they'll say "Your back?"
On Sunday, our pastor interviewed someone from our church with MD and the man explained that even though his body was failing, he could still pray without ceasing.
Yup, so can I. And I can love and be loved, even when I can't breathe from the pain.
God is good, you are here.
Jennifer, thank you for giving us a peek at your own struggles. Being transparent is not always easy to do.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of your suffering, but so grateful for God's presence in the midst and the growth and work that He does through it. He has a plan for you and me . . . for all His children.
How beautiful it is to love when one can barely breathe through the pain.
Grace and peace to you, dear one.