Have you ever looked at a situation in one way and then realize that the same situation can be seen completely differently? The situation hasn’t changed but your perspective has. Lately, I’ve been very discouraged. My arthritic knee deteriorated to the point it gave out and I needed urgent knee replacement surgery. The pain and debilitation left me unable to walk without crutches and limited to the bed or couch, loaded up on pain killers. I had been taking courses to become a Certified Lay Minister, but the courses became increasingly difficult as I battled the pain. Finally, I had to accept I couldn’t take classes until my knee was fixed. This meant I can’t be certified until next year’s charge conference – November 2023. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
But God intervened. With Kathi’s help, I was able to quickly get an appointment with a surgeon and scheduled for surgery a week later. God is teaching me through this experience. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “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.” God reminded me that He is with me through these struggles. His plans will not be thwarted. And He provided assistance: My brother was able to come stay with me and help with my mom as she recovered from a broken leg and my surgery will come as she transitions home. God reminded me that I don’t have to do everything. I can ask for help and I can trust in God’s love and care even when I’m struggling. I can change my perspective. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
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