The past few weeks challenged my faith as I dealt with issues surrounding my health and my mother’s health. It seemed like trials pressured us from all sides. I literally felt overcome today with depression and anxiety. I felt like crying about something as minuscule as ants threatened my faith.
I found them crawling all over my kitchen. My house seemed unclean and like a wreck. I had just returned from a wonderful time with my mother and daughter in Charleston. The visit did not just involve fun times, however, my mother also had an appointment with a neurologist about ongoing issues with fluid build up on her brain which is threatening her eyesight.
We heard that results from brain scans that were mixed. The doctor told us that he did not know if a special procedure that he performs on other patients would correct my mom’s problem. The fluid build up could stem from age-related issues. He performed a lumbar puncture to test whether or not my mother would be a good candidate for the procedure. He instructed us to report to him by Monday on whether or not the lumbar puncture relieved the pressure on my mother’s brain. If it does, he may move forward with scheduling the procedure.
My own health woes also weighed me down this past week as I continue to struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. The pain has caused sleepless nights and worries.
How do I battle these concerns? I took hope in a special discovery on the Sullivan’s Island Beach Wednesday night. My mother, daughter, and I were returning from the beach when my daughter spotted a beautiful beach rabbit. I had never seen a rabbit on the beach. It seemed just as interested in us and followed along as we walked along the pier. It did not seem fearful or worried as I took its picture. It also seemed well nourished and fed.
I thought about the sparrow’s verse from Matthew 10.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
I was also reminded of my life verse, John 16:33 as I watched the rabbit hop around without a care, his faith larger than my own:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
It seems like the lesson did not stay with me for long. I failed miserably in my faith today, but I know God forgives and will restore. I just have to seek Him and believe in the truth that He has overcome the world. He cares for me even more than he does the sparrow or the rabbit. I can rest in this truth and His word that He has overcome the world.
Do you have a story of how God showed himself true to you or increased your faith? Please share in the comments.
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Thanks for sharing. I am currently reading Laura Story’s When God Doesn’t Fix It about her husband’s brain tumor. Your post made me think of that. praying for your mom.
Amy Hagerup recently posted…5 Reasons to Use a Himalayan Salt Lamp
I am sorry to hear about your trials, but rejoice with you in how the Lord spoke to you through this gentle, sweet creature.
May you have a blessed hiatus filled with God’s presence, comfort and peace.
Blessings,
Have a wonderful and rest time off and 4th. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1 He wants us free of worry and pain, healing prayers.
This is such great encouraement. Praying for your health and other concerns, in Jesus name! laurensparks.net
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Praying for you now, Mary. Those ants. I get them occasionally too. I know they’re minor annoyances compared to the big things, but sometimes the little things seem large too. Also praying for your mom. Blessings and grace to you both.
We’ve battled those little ants many times: I can empathize with distress over them, especially on top of everything else. I hope and pray this lumbar puncture will help your mom and she’ll be eligible for this procedure, if that’s God’s will for her healing. I’m so glad for God’s gift of encouragement with the rabbit and His truth.
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Mary, I’m sorry to hear your health has been troublesome and the concerns with your mom as well. Thankful the good Lord not only forgives and restores us when we wane in our faith (a struggle we all face), but He also promises He has overcomethe world. I like how this promise is past tense but promised to us in the present. “Jesus has already overcome anything that overwhelms us. Hallelujah! Praying for you and your mom!
On a side note, I’ve never seen beach rabbit either. 🙂
praying for you… health issues are tough and you’ve got it double… sorry for all you’re experiencing, but so great that your hope is in Him.. praying for you.. ps.. interestingly we referred to the same scripture 🙂
I love the bunny pic too! It reminds of the sea turtles we saw in the Carribean last summer. If the boat had come a minute later or sooner we would have missed them. But I took it as a sign of God’s love for us. And as you said, this was something sent just for you — to remind you of His great love. He has overcome indeed! Blessings and hope & pray you feel better soon.
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Mary, I love how God sends us these little “love letters” as I like to call them at just the time we need them! Take the bunny you saw on the beach for instance! What a cool experience. I am sorry that you are having to deal with your own and your mother’s health issues. I am sure it is disheartening. Thankfully you have your life verse imprinted on your heart 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
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