One More Step

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11 

Well, Lord, You have the plans for me that I suspected You did.  On to another doctor to explore this body to determine what is causing the systemic nerve damage in my body.  This time to the neurology department of the University of Arkansas Medical School.  No appointment set up yet but You will schedule it at Your perfect time.  Thank You for this step in my journey with You.  

Thoughts swarm my mind about this next step.  I am weary of telling doctors my “story” yet I know that You have a perfect plan in my doing just that.  Thank You for Your life-sustaining peace and grace to continue this walk with You.  Thank You for showing us all that we need to know and how to proceed in light of it all.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to enable me to continue this walk with  You.  You have THE plan and I want to follow it.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

Suffering

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

I’ve known for a while, Lord, that You use great suffering to bring forth great things and great glory.  The other day You brought me to a whole new depth of my understanding of the suffering that I am going through, especially in my health.  The crucifixion comes before the resurrection and You used my Savior’s suffering to bring the greatest gift of eternal salvation to those You created.  I have known this in the past, but You personalized this in my own suffering as I pondered the many scriptures that say this very thing.  I now see that suffering is a privilege from You.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him,”  Philippians 1:29

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…“  Revelation 2:10

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”  Romans 5:3-5

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.”  2 Timothy 1:12

“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for Whom and through Whom everything exists, should make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”  Hebrews 2:10

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”  1 Peter 4:12-13

Thank You for letting me suffer for You, Lord.  It is humbling to know that You have given me such a gift as this.  I now see my suffering in a new light… the light of Your love, purpose and glory.  May my suffering bring You the greatest glory, not only in my life but in the lives of all who know about it.  Your will be done in it all.  Praise You from Whom all blessing flow.

Hands

“That night the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”  Genesis 26:24

A significant drop in the use of my hands today, Lord.  Resorting to using a rubber grip on my pen and a writing  style that is a combination of cursive and printing.  Having to take it slowly so it can be read.  Shakiness in hands increasing and in my entire body.  Thank You, Lord, for making sure that I can do everything You want me to do and that You receive all the glory for all that I do.  You continue to amaze me as I more clearly understand Your Word that says “… Apart from Me you can do nothing.”  (John 15:5)  Not only can I not do anything eternal without You….. I can do nothing earthly without You.  So very thankful that You are with me, leading and guiding my every step and never leaving nor forsaking me.  So, instead of complaining and whining about these decreased abilities, I will praise You in the storm and give thanks for Your faithfulness and Your love.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

“I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

Home Alone

“…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the Name of the Lord be praised.”  Job 1:21

Mike on his way to see our older daughter.  My health keeping me at home.  You have the perfect plan, Lord.  Work things out just as You want.  Thank You for using all of this for Your greatest glory.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

What A Delight!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

Thank You, Lord!  A wonderful evening with others from my new church.  Last night we were finally able to attend the disciple group here.  A real delight to spend time with fellow believers.  This is definitely where you want us to be.  Great food, fun, fellowship and Bible study… all in one night.  AND a special baby shower for our pastor, his sweet wife and two daughters as they expect a third baby girl in mid-June.  Pink was everywhere!  Eager to get to know everyone better as we enjoy time together and study Your Word.  

I have missed being in such fellowship with my fellow Christians, Lord.  Thank You for providing once again just what I need.  You always do.  Great is Your faithfulness… 

It's Time Again

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:…… a time to embrace”  Ecclesiastes 3:1,5

Well, it’s time again to return to journaling my walk with You, Lord.  It’s time again to begin sharing again the ups and down of it all with You on Earth.  It’s time again to share the glory You receive as You carry me through the good, the bad and the ugly, knowing that You use it all for good and for Your glory.  So here we go again.  May it all be to Your greatest glory.

Central sensitization= every nerve in my body being damaged and unable to filter the stimuli that come to me.  Now we know what is going on in my body but not the source of it.  After seeing two primary care doctors, eight neurologists, two rheumatologists and one ENT doctor we have the understanding of my affliction but not its source, what is causing it.  One step forward and another brick wall in front of us.  Now we continue to search for its cause.  Thank You, Lord, for giving Your understanding of what is going on and the  peace and grace to persevere until we know the source or come to a place of acceptance without the name of the source.  Either way You will uphold me and make my affliction possible to endure.  Where would I be without You?  Thank You, Lord, that I never have to find that out.  

The days and nights grow more difficult and my symptoms increase in number and grow more painful.  Sometimes I feel like giving up, Lord, but You pick me up and keep me traveling on Your path for me.  Sometimes I think it would be better for me to be with You in Heaven now, but You show me that You have a greater purpose in mind for my life and that it is important for me to fulfill that purpose.  Sometimes I take my eyes off of You, Lord, but You answer my prayer to keep my eyes on You, not on my circumstances.  Sometimes… but You.

So here we go again… keepin’ on keepin’ on with You by my side holding me up as we go forward.  Lead, guide, strengthen and uphold me as only You can.  Thank You, Lord.  Thank You.  All praise, honor and glory to You.

Christ As Healer- Healing Continues & Blessing

CHRIST AS HEALER

Healing Continues 

Isaiah 53:5

Opening Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for all You have taught me and the changes You have made in my life through this study.  Make my life an offering for You and use it all for Your glory.  I praise You and give thanks for all You have done, are doing, and will do in my life.  May it all be to Your honor and glory.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

ITS IMPACT

Reflect on all the Lord has done in and through you during this study.  What are the three most important changes that the Lord has made in you and your life through Christ As Healer?  

SCRIPTURES

What scriptures have been most meaningful to You through the study?  Why?  Memorize them or write them on cards to keep with you.

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you?

John 3:16

John 1:14 

Ephesians 2:8-9

Psalm 62:8 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Jeremiah 29:13 

Philippians 4:6 

Colossians 4:2 

I Corinthians 7:35 

Ephesians 1:15-21

Closing Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice for me.  I thank You that I am healed by His wounds.  I praise You for the abundant healing You have brought in my life through this study.  I give You all the praise, honor, and glory as I wholly devote myself to You, seeking to follow You intimately all the days of my life.  By Your grace I will be that living sacrifice You desire me to be.  I love You, Lord, and I praise You as I pray all these things in the precious and holy Name of Your Son Jesus.  Amen. 

BLESSING

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”

Ephesians 1:15-21