Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Philippians 4:13



As I have mentioned on previous posts, I recently flew to MN to help our daughter and her family pack to move back to MT. While there, God gave me incredible energy and strength to help with packing, cleaning, painting and chasing our grandsons. I prayed for this before I left, because ordinarily, I have many days when I do not possess energy and strength; in fact, most of my days I deal with physical pain. A year ago, I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, the former being a congenital deformity that results in the crowding of the brainstem and the cerebellum, and the latter being a large cyst that formed in my spinal cord. You can't see it, but I certainly feel it, and even after having had surgery in August of 2009, I continue to have the symptoms caused by nerve damage. (If you want to read more about this, go to this post.)

I share this because I have such huge praise for the Lord for giving me the ability to do what I needed to do in order to help them get ready for this move. As we worked, my daughter kept reminding me to not overdo, and I was able to honestly tell her that God had given me His strength to help out. There were a few times I needed to rest or went to bed early because I was worn out, but He was faithful to provide for me anew every day.

But God wasn't done - on the flight home, I sat next to a woman who shared with me that her adult daughter also has CM, and we talked the entire flight about how her daughter and I cope with this chronic condition! I do not believe in coincidences; no, He orchestrates the details of our lives to bring us closer to Him, be it through a stranger who, out of all the people on that plane, shared about something I know so much about, to answering my prayer to be a help to our daughter and her family, to bringing me home safely. How do I feel now? The symptoms are very apparent, but I am so much closer to Him. He is Metsuda, my fortress.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."




Please join Susan for Word-Filled Wednesday at Forever His.

15 comments:

Pia said...

true, He knows everything and i love those God moments where He sets things up for us. indeed, He is our strength.

blessings...

Unknown said...

"He orchestrates the details of our lives"
I love that quote. Somedays it comforts me, others not so much.
But I'm trying.

enjoy your blog

ozjane said...

Nothing takes God by surprise does it, He knows the before and He knows the afterwards.....

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

Thank you for sharing that beautiful testimony of the Lord working through you. I'm always amazed at how awesome the Lord is as He works in our lives.

SnoWhite said...

Praise God for providing for you and for setting up divine appointments! How cool.

Missie said...

He is our strength!
My sister also moved from MN to MT, so I will make sure to remember both of them in my prayers.

Susan said...

Laurie,

What a powerful testimony! Thanks so much for sharing with us today.


Thanks also for joining us today at WFW. Have a blessed day♥

Nic said...

I saw an incredible Extreme Home Makeover about this amazing woman who has lived with CM and her daughters have it too and what an inspiration she is to others. It really touched me. I usually don't watch EHM, but this one just really jumped out. I am in awe of those who live with this condition. God bless you!

Your verse is a wonderful one for me too, personally, at this time.

Michele said...

thanks for sharing, I love the picture also.

Deborah said...

How awesome God is!!! Praying some relief comes to you today.

Ladynred said...

God is in the works and sees that you needed comfort. What a great testimony! Love that verse!

Bobbi said...

Love to see how you see God's hand in each circumstance. It blesses my heart and encourages me. Have a wonderful WFW!

Cathy said...

Such a lovely picture and verse ~ Thank God He is our hope, and He gives us strength to endure. Blessings ~

Anne Lorys said...

That's my favorite scripture!

Laurie, I had no idea of your struggles, I am so sorry.

You, my sweet friend, are in my prayers.

Love,
Anne

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your words magnify the Lord and his care and provision. A joyful post to read!