At the end of February 2009 I was informed that I needed a hip replacement. Having known for a while this was likely, and hoping it would be a long way off, this news sent me into mild shock. My name went into the 'waiting for surgery pool' in mid March.
The following song challenged my thinking and began my healing journey:
When Desperation Meets Faith by The Pfeifers (chorus)
When desperation meets faith,
the curse is broken,
a closed mind is open,
words of healing are spoken.
When desperation meets faith,
Jesus moves with compassion,
something good starts to happen,
when desperation meets faith.
If God is no respecter of persons then can I too be healed? After reading the story, ‘Lisa’s Healing’ in CSC News, Spring 2009, I focused my attack on praying and meditating through healing scriptures.
June 11/09 – “God, how much longer must I deal with this pain,” I lamented in my journal. “Please direct me to some scriptures for encouragement.” Isaiah 43 came to mind so I read it.
"...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Vs. 1,2
I was encouraged and grateful to know that at least I was on His radar screen. It's easy to wonder if God even knows we exist when we go through challenges. Does He really care about us? Pain, whether physical or mental/emotional, is so debilitating and sometimes makes us think crazy thoughts.
June 25/09 – “Hello, This is Dr. Miller’s office calling. Can you come for a surgery assessment appointment tomorrow? I realize this is very short notice. We’ve had a cancellation.” I immediately said, “Yes, I’ll be there.”
Dr. Miller agreed to do the surgery right away, within 2 weeks. Yikes, I wasn't ready mentally because I had been told many times by many sources it might be two years before I have this surgery. Plus, I had made summer plans with family whom I had seriously neglected during the years of caring for my father-in-law. Dr. Miller agreed to do the surgery when I was ready. Arrangements were made for Aug 21.
Then I began wrestling with “Do I not trust God for healing by accepting this surgery?” Several people quickly reminded me of the drowning man who refused all kinds of help saying “God will rescue me.” He drowned and when questioning God in heaven as to why he hadn’t been rescued, God responded, “I sent a row boat, a motor boat, and a helicopter, but you refused them all. What were you waiting for?”
It is nothing short of a miracle that I had the surgery so quickly. I thank God for sending Dr. Miller to 'rescue' me from the debilitating pain.
Psalms 107 (paraphrased and personalized)
I was in serious trouble, terrible pain making my life miserable. I called out to the Lord, “How long, Oh Lord, must I fight with this pain?”
He heard my cries of despair and rescued me. By the power of His own word, He healed me and saved me by sending Dr. Miller to rescue me from debilitating pain.
I praise the Lord for His love and the wonderful things He has done for me.
I celebrate His goodness to me with thanksgiving and tell all the people of His wonderful deeds.
