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Saturday, April 16, 2011

Never Give Up On God

If there is one thing I have learned in my life, and learned well, it is to never give up. Regardless of the obstacles in my way or the odds stacked against me, there is always a way to overcome adversity. God is that way—the only way.
If I had listened every time someone told me I couldn’t do something, then I would have never accomplished anything in my life. If I had allowed obstacles to stop me, then I would have never succeeded. It’s not about all the things we can’t do, but all of the things God blesses us to do.
Sometimes the only difference between success and failure is the right frame of mind. If you believe you can do something, then you can. If you believe it’s impossible, then it will never be possible for you.
Over a year ago, I sat in an exam room and was told I would never get any better. It was completely devastating to me. I was in so much pain I could barely function. I couldn’t work, clean my house, drive, or take care of the kids. The pain paralyzed my life. I was offered narcotic pain medications, but I refused. I was terrified I would become an addict. Instead I was given NSAIDs, and medication for nerve damage.
For the first time in my life, I felt utterly and completely hopeless. I didn’t want to take the medicine, but I couldn’t handle the pain.
I trembled as I held the tiny little pills in my hands. I read the pages of known side effects and wondered which ones would attack me. Flashbacks of the time I almost died, due to drug side effects, raced through my mind. I looked at my kids and my husband and prayed the drugs wouldn’t take my life.
The pain progressed and the medicine did nothing to stop it. It did, however, mess with my mind. The day I couldn’t remember if I had taken the kids to school or not, was a life changing moment for me. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew that I didn’t want to live like that—unless there was no other option.
I remember begging God to help me. And, as always, He did.
As I opened the phone book one morning searching for a new doctor, I turned to chiropractors. There were several listed, but one that beckoned me—Foster Chiropractic and Wellness Center. I loved the fact that it was listed as a wellness center because I wanted to be well.
Dr. Foster was amazing. He scanned and x-rayed me and came up with a plan of wellness for me. But more importantly, he gave me hope. As I continued to get better, I was reminded God always has a plan for us. He always has a way to make us feel better and comfort us from our trials.
The devil will always try to stop us from doing God’s work. He will bring illness upon us, to keep us from going to church, and get us to a point to where, sometimes we think we would be better off dead, but if we look to God then we can live— instead of merely going through the motions. Through God we can overcome ANYTHING!
Sometimes we just have to want to get better. And do everything in our power to make it happen. I have to exercise and watch my diet, just so I can function, but I’m so thankful it’s possible for me to still do the things I need to do. There are days when I’d love to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep—forget the world and all of its problems. However, when I succumb to my weakness, then it only makes things worse. I’m learning to get up. Regardless of how bad I feel. The devil may continue to knock me down, but I’m tired of just lying down for him.
If it takes me all day to do one simple chore, then I should do that and be proud of my accomplishment. I’m learning to forgive myself for my weaknesses and realize God is my strength in every battle. He wants me to look to Him for my guidance, but, most of all, He wants me to trust Him with every aspect of my life.
This week has been very challenging for me. Anytime we are faced with adversity, it’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope, but I’m so thankful that my Lord always steps in right on time. He reminds me that He is my anchor and He can fix my problems in a moment and the twinkling of an eye. What is so big to me is so small to God.
When I think all hope is gone, God has a plan. The bible tells us, the darkest hour is right before dawn.

2 comments:

Roddie said...

Candida, God is so good to us! I was just thinking about how God delivers his people right on time, when things seem hopeless. He may not always remove the hardships in our lives, but He will see us through them,and give us strength to bear what we need to bear. When the church ordained me they gave me a bible and a bookmark. On the bookmark is the scripture- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I can't tell you how many times I've looked at that bookmark and drawn strength from that scripture.
I also remember something Chesly Miracle use to say- "It's a suffering way, but a good way." This is so true. The rewards are so much greater than the suffering!
If I had the power to take away your pain I would. Keep up the good work, buddy. :)

Underneath the Scars said...

Thank you so much, Roddie! That's one of my favorite verses. It gives me stength, too. It's a great blessing just to know God will always be there to comfort us from our suffering and to see us through.

Author shares message through Zippy the zebra