Yesterday and a few days prior

The pain level has really been up there the past several days, for whatever reason, making just doing the basics really a challenge and causing sleep to be elusive. A few nights ago, my tossing and turning in bed must have caused Ed to wake up and he turned over and asked me if I was in pain, to which I answered yes. I was so worn out and just couldn't get comfortable or find any relief. He immediately began to pray for me. I am telling you that instantly the pain left my lower body and I drifted off to sleep while he was still praying. *tears* Our God is such an awesome God. Then a couple of nights later, the same thing happened and the Lord immediately caused my pain to ease so that I could sleep.

Yesterday, I could barely get around here at home. Still, you have to understand that I push myself to get the few things done here at home that just have to be done and Ed is so wonderful to help me do anything that I ask of him. But I do get concerned when I am like this, when it is such an effort to do the smallest task because of the pain.

By the time I had everything ready to take to the ladies' meeting last night, I was just about done in. Of course, Ed said I should not push myself so hard. He said I should stay home and take care of myself. He said that everyone would more than understand. But I felt that I should go because I was in charge of some things and Sis. Scism was going to be speaking and on and on. So, Ed took everything out to the car for me and helped me get on my way.

Thankfully, when I arrived at the church, I was able to load everything onto my little walker and take it into the church and a couple of the other ladies who had just arrived walked with me. We all gathered in and got everything in place and Sis. Martin started the meeting. We prayed and then everyone got something to eat. As I was walking back to my place to eat, I noticed that I wasn't in very much pain, if any at all. I was walking with my walker of course, but still, I noticed the definite absence of pain.

Fast forward to this morning: Ed asked me how I did at the ladies' meeting last night and I told him about not being in pain and he told me that he had been in prayer for me. AND I went to bed last night and slept soundly until 3am and then until 7:15 this morning! Ed had gotten up, made coffee, fed the kitty and I didn't even notice! Usually I am the first one up at around 6am!

I said all of that to say this: I am so thankful that when we pray, the Lord so mercifully causes my pain to ease and lift, so that I can sleep or do whatever I need to do. I don't know why I am not completely healed. I know that He is able, for He has healed me completely of other things so many times, even during the past two years that I have been dealing with this back and leg pain and disability.

I was reading my Bible a few nights ago and came upon the scriptures that I typed below and my heart was just overwhelmed with the love and concern and mercy that the Lord has for me, I just cried. Perhaps if I was pain-free and all, I wouldn't have this deep, heart-felt love Him or truly appreciate the way He loves me and takes care of me.
"I'll keep holding onto Jesus, I'll keep holding onto Jesus,
I'll keep holding to His precious nail-scarred hands,
And though the way gets weary, I can't see the way too clearly,
I'll keep holding to His precious, nail-scarred hands."


Oh, but it keeps me ever before Him, ever dependent on Him. *tears* And if it serves no other purpose, then so be it. I won't complain.
"God is so good to me, He is so good to me,
More than this world could be, He's so good to me,
His spirit came to me and gave me victory,
God is so good to me, I can't complain."

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
Hebrews 2:17-18
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:15-16
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."
Psalm 103:13-14



I heard a story one time: A Shepherd had a sheep that kept wandering off. No matter how good He was to this little sheep, it wandered off and away from the shelter and safety of the flock and its Shepherd. So, one day, for its own good, the shepherd allowed the little lamb's back legs to be broken. During the healing process, the Shepherd had to carry the little sheep everywhere, holding it close to His chest, in the protection of His loving arms. In time, the little lamb's legs healed and it was able to once again stand on his own legs and get about, but during the healing process, while he was being carried about by the Shepherd, the little lamb fell sooo in love with the Shepherd that he didn't want to be away from Him for any reason. He never strayed again. The pain served a purpose, though the lamb could not see it during the process.
"I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God."