March 2
Healing
Scripture: Mark 10:51-52 Jesus said "Go; your faith has
made you well."
The Lord never fails to amaze me. God can and does work
though the rough spots of our lives even if we can’t see or feel it at the
time. Life is so often understood backwards. I find myself often drawn to people who have
faced great adversity and overcome it. I see such strength in the healing
struggle, and I see so much of God in it. We all have a story to tell, never
underestimate the power of yours.
“I faced some pretty serious health conditions this past
year. First, in August, I was diagnosed with dementia and hospitalized because
my kidneys and liver had begun to shut down. I was advised by doctors to
"get my things in order." Things looked bleak but just in time an
astute doctor recognized my symptoms as chronic lithium toxicity. I was taken
off of a handful of medications and my health improved dramatically in a matter
of days.
Then I fell in the shower in October, suffering a broken
nose, concussion and broken tibia. Just as I thought I was recovering from
these injuries, I was diagnosed with CRPS/RSD - a debilitating chronic pain
condition that carries a rather hopeless prognosis of being "progressive
and irreversible."
This seemed to be the proverbial "wake up call."
Was I right with myself, my family, my community and God? Convinced God must be
keeping me here for some reason, I determined to figure out how I could deal
with all this. A former athlete, I hit the gym for intense physical therapy and
rehab. A teacher, I researched and read all I could get my hands on. I changed
my diet; I learned to meditate.
Things seemed to be improving, but something was still
missing. I returned to church. The welcome I received -- after years of not
attending -- was warm, welcoming and nonjudgmental. I was invited to become an
active and contributing part of the congregation. I believe this fellowship is
a crucial method of God's healing power.
I'm convinced my health troubles in part were a result of
misplaced faith. Faith in only myself. In well-intentioned but misguided
healthcare providers. ("Here, just take this pill and everything will be
okay.") Faith in pop culture fads and outright charlatans.
A couple weeks ago I was examined by an OSU specialist. The
most recent MRIs showed there was literally no more evidence of the nerve
condition with which I previously had been diagnosed. Terms such as
"remarkable" and "spontaneous remission" were used to
describe my recovery.
Was the relationship between my return to church and my
healing simply coincidental? I hardly think so.” By Rhonda Edgerton
Are you working for your own healing? Are you seek God's
help and the help of friends? Examine
your beliefs and expectations -- they are critical in the healing process.
As Lyssa Rankin, MD,
the author of "Mind over medicine" offers, "Let any health
condition you face be an opportunity for spiritual awakening”
Prayer:
Lord, our almighty physician, your grace and mercy are unending In the midst of
my valley you drew me closer yet and worked through those who could and would
help pull me out. My faith will evermore rest in your unfailing love. In your
precious Sons name. AMEN.
Life can only be understood backwards; but
it must be lived forwards.
Soren Kierkegaard
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