Slow And Steady Wins The Healing Race

Slow And Steady Wins The Healing Race

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Sharon had seen multiple specialists and had a variety of tests, and all the results had come back negative. But still her symptoms persisted. Mostly, she seemed weak and unable to eat or keep much down.

With no indication that anything was physically wrong, Sharon had been admitted to our rehab hospital to help her regain her strength and feel better.

“I know they think I’m crazy,” she said, turning toward me. “All the tests came back negative, so I must be crazy.”

I sat down on the bed next to her. “Sharon, you’ve been through a lot lately. You’ve had three deaths in your family this year—your mother, your father, and then your husband. That’s pretty hard to take. And now your daughter is heading off to college, leaving you with an empty house. That’s another big adjustment. Any one of those things alone could sap your strength, steal your appetite, and make you feel sick.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Sharon said. “I just feel as if I am crashing and burning.”

“Life is like a three-legged stool. When everything is balanced, we’re stable, but when one leg is taken away, our lives begin to teeter, and we risk losing control. You’ve had all three legs kicked out from under you. No wonder you’re in a downward spiral.”

“I guess you’re right,” she said. “I think my failure to thrive is a physical symptom of a spiritual problem. I know that my parents and husband are in heaven with Jesus, and I look forward to being reunited someday. But in the meantime, I’ve failed to listen to God because I’ve been so focused on my losses. But I think I’m ready to get back on track.”

Sharon had a kaleidoscope of needs, and we tried to help her in every way we could, with good nutrition, physical therapy, and compassionate listening. In just a few weeks, her worst symptoms completely vanished. She had learned how to pick herself up off the floor and trust in God’s ability to guide her life.

TODAY’S RX

If you’ve been knocked down, trust the Lord to set you back on your feet and give you renewed strength to run the race of life.

Father, there are days when my strength is sapped and my walls begin to crumble. I’m vulnerable to what the world tells me, and I do not hear your voice. Please be with me in these moments, encouraging me and strengthening me so that I may stand upright again.