Recuperation Doesn't Come Easy

Recuperating from my surgery, I've realized it takes a very long time to get back to 'normal'. Whatever 'normal' is in my life? I don't know if I'll be able to resume activities that I once did. I'm not sure if I'll be able to ever get back into the complete swing of things. I know it will just take time.

If anyone has ever been in a 'recuperating' mode, you know that you want to do a lot, but you just can't. Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." In our lives everyday, we have things that happen that we may not be expecting. Someone in your family could have health problems that won't get better; a child in your family may be bullied and teased constantly; a family may be losing their home; someone could be questioning their faith. There are moments in our existence that define our lives. What will we do with that? Will we persevere or will we give up? Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go."

I am feeling so much better than I was a month ago. Then, I couldn't go anywhere, do anything, barely managed everyday without pain. My husband has been my full-time nurse and he has done everything for me. He's cooked, cleaned, bathed me, taken wonderful care of me. I can't even explain it all. What a wonderful caregiver God has given me. John is the most amazing person and I appreciate everything he has done. Today, he had to go back to his work and I'm on my own. I still can't do anything like lift, clean, normal everyday duties. I know the Lord is with me and will guide me and I will not be afraid. Proverbs 3:5 says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." This is so true....by human standards, we think, "How can I do this? Will I be able to manage?" God will work it all out in his timing and it will be managed by Him. In every circumstance of our lives, when we feel that nothing is working for us, God is..."If God is for us, who can be against us?"

The recuperating will take longer. I will not be able to do regular things or I won't be able to completely heal. I am tempted to go clean and cook but that can't happen just yet. I want to go be a youth leader again and help the kids, but I can't do that now. I want to do so much, but I am not allowed to. I have to persevere, be patient and just take my time.

All of us are in the same boat in some respects. You may not be recuperating or sick, but you may have to wait for something that you've wanted for a long time. It could be a new job, house, neighborhood. It could be a relationship, friendship or just something small. Just keep trying and keep praying and never give up hope. Hope is what we have to strengthen our hearts, souls, spirits, minds and bodies. Without hope, we have nothing. "For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16