Falling Down Can Raise You Up
We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)
“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” We have all heard these words and seen the advertisement. Recently I fell twice and it changed my life. For several days I walked around on a fractured pelvis. Yes, there was lots of pain, but I thought it was just bruising from tumbling around. I convinced myself that I was going to be fine…until I could not take another step.
Shock mode! Not me—broken and in need of eight weeks of recovery. My world stopped spinning and like an old record with a scratched surface, I found myself silently repeating scolding words.
How could you be this clumsy? Look what you’ve done! You’ve ruined everything. Michael must do double duty. You’ll get cabin fever by week three!
Yes, I was angry with myself. Today, I am still confined to a recliner, and I cannot go anywhere without a walker. I never dreamed my life would look like this but here I am. My dear friends rallied and brought us food (even though Michael is an excellent cook), came to visit, prayed with me, sent cards and text messages. Their love and encouragement have become a safety net for me.
However, there came that moment when I had to decide whether to strive to get better or stay in a funky depression. One morning, I read the above verse during my devotion time and realized that there are more lessons for me to learn. This brokenness is not the end.
This physical challenge has brought about a much deeper reliance on His holy Word. There are so many promises that reassure me of His healing touch, constant presence, and deep love for me.
I can’t count how many times I’ve asked Him to slow me down. I finally got what I asked for—a bit more painful than I had imagined but He answered my prayers.
Aging gracefully might not be my forte, but a gracious and grateful lifestyle allows me to lift my hands to bless Him.
Gracious God, thank You for all Your Promises, answered prayers and the blessings you pour over us every day. Thank You for total healing—little by little. Please help us to be grateful with the baby steps. AMEN.