Running A New Race

Running A New Race

And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” Luke 17:19

I was in the ER one rainy night when the EMS radio crackled.

“MVA.^a Single motorcycle in ravine just north of Ashland City on Coyote Curve.”

When the ambulance pulled in, the motorcyclist was on a spine board, unable to move his lower extremities.

Jacob was an avid athlete who had run track when he was in high school. After he graduated, he got a job as a mechanic and married his high school sweetheart. She was a nurse, and they were hoping to buy a house and start a family. Instead of getting a second car, Jacob had gotten a used motorcycle to save money.

Tests revealed a T7/T8 spinal fracture. Coupled with the paralysis, it meant that Jacob was in bad shape. He was airlifted to a trauma center for further intervention.

Six months later, Jacob rolled into my office in a wheelchair. “I need your help filling out travel papers,” he said. He wanted to fly out of the country for an experimental treatment in Mexico. “There’s a doctor there who can do stem cell treatment for paralyzed patients, and I want to give it a try.”

I was aware of the controversy surrounding stem cell treatment, but this doctor used a new technique drawing stem cells from the patient’s own body, though the procedure had not yet been approved in the United States.

“Jacob, I can’t stop you from going and trying this or any other procedure, but I want you to know that I haven’t lost faith that God can do all things for those who place their trust in him. If it is his will, I believe you will walk again one day.”

Another six months passed, and Jacob was still in the wheelchair, but now he could move his toes and control his bladder. Also, his pain had lessened.

At his next appointment, Jacob reminded me of our earlier conversation. “You know, Dr. Anderson, you’re right. I believe God will allow me to walk. He’s given me a new outlook on life through all of this. In fact, he’s already helped me to run. Though I can’t physically walk, my spiritual walk is more like a race that I intend to run for the rest of my life.”

TODAY’S RX

Run the race that God sets before you. With his help, you will finish strong.

Lord, keep me from becoming discouraged by the obstacles I face. Lift my spirits so that I may continue running the race before me, doing it all to the glory of your name.