Have you ever prayed for something for a long time, and when you received the answer you were dissatisfied, angry, confused and just wanted to know why your prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted? Yeah, me too. This was one of those weeks. Hubs had hip replacement surgery last June. Along with that surgery came some nerve damage and a complication called foot drop. Basically, he lost the feeling in his lower calf and foot and has been unable to move his foot or toes which makes walking difficult. For almost a year I have watched him struggle and try to regain use of his foot. We always had hope the nerves would heal and he could resume normal use of his foot.
Last week we went to a neurologist for a nerve study, and this week was the follow-up with his orthopedic surgeon. The results weren’t good. The doctor told us the nerve damage affecting his leg and foot was permanent. As I sat there and listened to those words I was sad and angry, but my Hubs didn’t flinch. For months I have told Hubs I believed he would run, skip, hop, jump and dance. Hubs turned to me and told me to tell the doctor what he was going to do. I told the doctor that Hubs was going to run, skip, hop, jump and dance. I smiled at Hubs because I knew in that instant Hubs was reminding me to keep standing in my faith. All the doctor could do was smile and say “Okay!” It was in that moment I realized it didn’t matter what the study results were or what the doctor said, this wasn’t about me or what I desired, but what God wants to do through Hub’s and my life.
For those of you who don’t know my husband, you will never meet a more loving and giving heart than my Hubs. He has had chronic pain all his life, and while you might hear the occasional moan or groan, I have never heard him complain about his pain. Even when he was in a bad automobile accident which totaled his car and cracked his sternum, he remained positive through all of it. Now, does that mean he hasn’t had his challenges? Of course not, but his inner strength is a force to be reckoned with and his faith and hope in Christ is strong and unwavering.
Hubs will never give up the idea of one day walking completely on his own again. In fact, he will tell you he is a miracle in the making. There have been many people throughout scripture that Jesus healed from blindness, paralysis, leprosy, other illnesses and even death. We choose to believe just because Hubs’ foot hasn’t been healed yet, doesn’t mean it will never be. Our God can do anything he pleases if it is HIS will. The thing is, God’s will and His timing may be quite different than what we expect.
I think about all the things this situation has taught us and will continue to teach us. First, we have such greater compassion and empathy for people who are in wheelchairs or walking with difficulties, trying to maneuver in and out of doors and in stores or restaurants. We have learned there are many very kind, compassionate people who truly want to help, and those who get frustrated easily because you need a few extra minutes. We have learned patience in the process. I will say Hubs has learned that lesson more than I have because there are times I do find myself being impatient, but God is working on me.
It is one thing to tell others to “Trust God” and another thing to believe and do it for yourself. I don’t want to be that person who tells everyone else to trust God, and then when it comes to my own situation to think God isn’t big enough to handle it. Because He is the all-knowing, majestic, and everlasting God who formed the heavens and the earth and knows each of us by name. So yes, TRUST GOD!
Never give up your hope just because of what someone else says. If Jesus had listened to the enemy and his lies, think of where all of us would be today. The devil tempted him repeatedly, trying every trick in the book. Why? Because he was afraid! The enemy was determined he was going to take Jesus out and take away all hope. When we are tempted to take the easy way out and give up our faith and hope, doesn’t it imply we trust the devil more than God? Yes, things may never get better with Hub’s foot this side of heaven, but it doesn’t mean that God loves Hubs or me any less. It means His plan is better than my plan and what He has in store is much better than I could ever dream or imagine.
It is okay to be sad, angry or any of the other emotions we feel. God wants us to be honest and He can take whatever you need to say, but don’t let your emotions take control and lead you. Allow God to soothe your soul, heal your hurts and keep you strong in the fight of your faith. We can’t give up hope based on our human emotions.
The enemy loves to use fear to control and stifle us in our relationship with God. But, fear is a liar! Share on XThe enemy loves to use fear to try to control and stifle us in our relationship with God. But, fear is a liar! There is nothing the enemy loves more than to try to control our thoughts and infiltrate our hearts with doubt about the power of God.
God never promises the life of the believer will be easy on earth. But, God does promise us He will always be with us through the good and bad. I don’t know what you’re facing today, but God does. Maybe it is the fear of unemployment, a diagnosis of an illness, a financial need or difficulties with your children or spouse, know that you can trust God with every detail.
The enemy will try to convince you otherwise, but scripture proves him wrong over and over. Trusting God is a commitment that will lead you into His perfect peace. If you need some hope, here are some promises to help you stand in times of trouble and difficulty. Yes, there are some things we will never understand, but knowing we have a Father who sees the panoramic view when we only have a snapshot provides faith and trust in His plan.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 33:22 (NLT)
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 56:3 (NLT)
But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
Psalm 145:18 (NLT)
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
Matthew 17:20 (NLT)
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
Psalms is my favourite book in the bible. Thank you for sharing and will continue to prayer for you and your husband.
Hi, Nita!
It is one of my favorite books too! You can find a love promise from God in almost any of the scriptures including warnings from David as well. Thank You for your prayers!
I absolutely love this! Right now I’m 37 weeks pregnant and can totally relate and use these scriptures throughout the rest of my pregnancy. Praying for your husband!
Hi, Anna!
Congratulations on a new baby! How exciting and what a precious gift from God! I will be praying for you as you prepare to welcome your new one into your family. These scriptures are God’s promises and hang onto them. You are covered sister by God and the prayer warriors who will surround you with prayers! Thank You for your prayers!
Praying that your husband does skip, hop and jump! Trust is a foundation in our Christian life and boy does the enemy want to get us to question that trust!
Hi, Julie
It is at the very core of who we are as human beings. It started with Adam and Eve and continues today! The sad part is he is still using the same stuff over and over and we still struggle. We have to know the truth in order to know what is the lie! I’m thankful for the Word of God for the promises of His truth.
Oh that sneaky devil. He’s such a liar! He preys on fear, and dishes it out like candy. I love Psalm 33:22 to combat these lies!
Hi, Katie,
You are right! The devil is a liar and he loves to prey on fear and doubt, but I’m thankful we know a God who can outwit the devil any day!
It is absolutely God’s will that your husband be able to walk on his own. I truly believe that it is God’s heart to heal.
Hi Alice!
I am in total agreement with you! Men can think they can diagnose, but God gets the final word. Thank You for your encouragement!
“The enemy loves to use fear to try to control and stifle us in our relationship with God. But, fear is a liar!” Fear is one of satan’s favorite tools of destruction. I stand in faith with you always, sister!
Hi, Erin!
Thank You so much! We stand together against the wiles of the enemy knowing God has the final say over everything.
God still does miracles! And we are called to pray with that hope and faith. ALL things are possible if He wills it!
Hi, Melissa!
Yes! God still does miracles everyday! I don’t know how people do it without the HOPE of Christ!
Beautifully written my friend! We all have at least one thing that we struggle with. You and Dave are wonderful examples of keeping our eyes on Jesus even through the struggles. Hugs to both of you!
Hi, Toni!
Thank you for your encouragement. My prayer is that is what people will always see. I’m sending a big hug back to you! Stay warm I hear it is still snowing there. Brrrrr!
Thank you for sharing your story and the struggle your hubs has been going through. I will keep you and him in my prayers!
Hi, Lee!
Thank You for your prayers we appreciate them so much! It is prayer that helps us stay focused on the truth!
Great reminder to be positive and never give up hope!
Hi, Steph!
Reminders become powerful tools that help us to stay strong in the battle. Many blessings to you!
It is so very God, that on the morning that I am struggling with fear, He lead me to read not only your post, but several other bloggers’ posts talking about why we don’t need to fear. “It is one thing to tell others to “Trust God” and another thing to believe and do it for yourself.” So very, very true! Thank you Sheila for sharing, not only the struggle, but words of truth, that God is and will always be on our side! Praying for miracles! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy!
Trust me I have been where you are, but thankful his mercies are new each morning! Praying for you today and asking God to bring you His peace and joy. God is good even in the midst of what seems like chaos.
There is such power in bold prayers – whether it’s learning more about God’s will in His “no,” or experiencing God’s “yes” answer. Thank you for sharing this. It’s such a beautiful testimony that God never gives up on us!
Hi, Emily!
You are right! God tells us to go to the throne boldly! I am so thankful God doesn’t give up on us too!
This is super important. You can’t give up hope! It’s what drives us!
Hi, Megan!
Thank You for the words of encouragement! You are right is is hope that drives us to our knees 🙂 Blessings!
Wonderful piece! ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing your heart.
Hi, Linette!
Thank You for your encouragement! I pray it blesses others and gives them hope!
Amen! 🙏🏼❤️
Hi, Peggy!
Thank You for your prayers! I pray you and adorable EJ are doing well. Love and miss you both!
I just love this Sheila!
I love the Psalm 27:14 verse. Wait. And again wait.
We worship while we wait!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi, Cathy!
Yes! God is in the waiting! No matter what! It is good to know we can trust Jesus in all that we do!