Wednesday, December 30, 2009

More Set Backs? Bring Them On!


Thank you to everyone who stops by here on a daily basis in hopes of finding some shining nugget that my health is on the rise. I am attempting most days to remain optimistic and hopeful that God is in the works of making this glorify Him. It's hard when you wake up again and find only pain and then realize why is this happening and to what can God use this for.

Some days are darker than others even when the sun is shining outside among the brilliant blue sky. It beckons you outside to come enjoy the warmth and all that life has to offer that day. Yet some days it's hard to count the number of hours between pain pills for when you can take the next one and hope that it will help this time. However once pain relief does kick in, it's hard to remember your not OK. The pain will come back, but it's also during those times, I try and move through life as normal as I can, doing as many things as I can that I would. Whether it's taking the kids to the mall, picking up the house, unloading the dishwasher or simply sitting downstairs so my hubby doesn't come home to find me still in bed, it's a start.

So over the weekend, I watched Joyce Meyer's ministry since I've been reading her book The Power of Simple Prayer and wanted to see the author. I love her! She is amazing. I know if I lived next door to her, she would be at my front door each and every morning telling me to get up and get to living my life, no matter what I felt like. It could always be worse than it is. So what if I have to take pain pills to get moving? Take them and get moving. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Rejoice in what life you have been given, thank God you are still breathing and do something to work for His glory. Thanks Joyce. I needed to hear that!

So despite the long wait for specialists to finally see me, I know that once that process begins I will find out what is going on. So I wait. With God. Holding on to simple prayers that begin at times to sound like the very same prayer but God is still grateful we talk everyday. He never gets tired of hearing me tell Him what is going on. In fact, He loves it!

The best part of the message I gained from Joyce's segment on TV this week was her definition of a set back. Ready for this?

A set back is a set up for a come back.

WOW! Could you seriously take that all in? Did you savor each and every word. Once God touched my heart on hearing those words, I felt differently. A set back, (my health), is a set up (preparation in the works) for a comeback (for me, better than what I was before). I love this!

God is preparing me through this particular series of setbacks to set me up for a comeback! If not something just as good as I had before, something much more fulfilling and wonderful, especially if it comes from God. We all know that God has the best laid plans in store for each and every one of us.

So my friends, the message is the same to any of you in the midst of your own personal storm. A set back is a set up for a comeback. Are you ready for it? Can you weather the storm no matter how long it takes?

We just need to remember who is the captain of the ship we are sailing on, it's God. He will get us through it and towards the other side where He has something special waiting. We may just be on a row boat, an inflatable raft or even a cruise ship, but God is in control.

"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." Isaiah 42:3

40 comments:

Heckety said...

You are bound to be up and down and all over the place like a carosel...pain takes its toll of the mind as well as the body. I think you are doing great. Its hard to get your head round regularly taking meds (I know from experience) as there's this thing that we 'should' all be fit and well, but hey, it doesn't matter. Do what you have to do to get through. I think God guided the people who invented medication so we may as well use it to our benefit. That's what I tell myself...But its not easy, its really not.

Parsley said...

Your attitude is something to be admired. Keep looking to Him.

Still praying....

Kathleen said...

What a rugged process! May you soon receive a good report (and health), and may God be glorified as it comes to pass.

Blessings,
Kathleen

RCUBEs said...

I'm amazed with the strength you had shown. I want to encourage you here today, but it was me leaving more encouraged. Why? My neck pain from my 12 yrs. old injury is acting up just now. I made some soup still and went out with my family. No pain will stop me because I know there is no pain bigger than the God we serve. You just confirmed the "set back" for the "come back". Thanks be to God for using His children to encourage each other. Keeping you in prayers...God bless.

He & Me + 3 said...

Kat,

I think that message was perfect. God knows what He is doing & it is all in His perfect timing.
Hugs & prayers,
Mimi

LV said...

You are a very special lady to me even if knowing you came about through the blogging world. I truly wish things could get better for you. I am not sure I could have tolerated this much pain. My wish and greatest prayer is for the New Year to start off for you pain free. You have been a real blessing to me, and wish we all had half as much faith as you. Take care.

Thena said...

WOW!! I will have to remember that my next setback is only setting me up for something greater and better.

Laura said...

Thanks for the encouragement. I too am waiting for specialists and waiting for God's healing power in my body. I trust Him and I know that He is faithful. Be encouraged....God is working on your behalf!!

Our7isheaven said...

Keep the attitude and spirit that you have and it will all work out to God's glory!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart....

Paula

Carol said...

What a great message to grasp a hold of. I love that. Keep holding on, Kat. God is with you every step of the way!

Mari said...

I so appreciate your wonderful attitude! I love the set back quote and am waiting to hear what God does through this!

Mich said...

Just goes to show us that God has a lesson for us to learn at every turn. Yours is a biggy right now.

I appreciate your positive attitude, that can only come from faith. Hang in there girlfriend! Blessings and prayers are coming your way, plus a whole lot of love from the Father.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful write, sweet friend. He is always there, He just guides us thru gently. Hope you get relief from your pain ...

Have a beautiful & blessed NEW YEAR ... I will be in & out of communication for a couple weeks.
TTFN ~ Marydon

Mary Ellen said...

Love, love Joyce Meyer! I finished reading her book The Secret to True Happiness before Christmas and just picked up the Power of Simple Prayer from the library. Thanks for sharing her message.

Prayers to you and blessings for the New Year.

S. Etole said...

That verse from Is. has encouraged me many times ...

petrii said...

Kat,
Oh dear one, I'm so sorry for your pain. It is no fun. But God is with you and is all over you dear one. You are such an encouragement.

Love you sweet one,
Dawn

Cathy said...

A set back is a set up for a come back.

Now I really like that! Still praying for you!

christy rose said...

Are you ready for your come back? I am ready to hear you testify of the miracle of God's mercy and grace as He leads you to your complete healing. I am so glad that you have been encouraged by Joyce Meyer's message. Are you ready for your comeback? :)

Samantha said...

Dear Kat,
You are truly a blessing, you have such a wonderful attitude and great strength through the pain.
Continuing to pray for you, thank you for sharing these words today, I did need to hear the.
God bless you dear friend !

Beth Herring said...

Kat- so glad that God is moving and speaking to you during this time.

I found this quote a while back and it just fits!

"Sometimes in our deepest darkness, we tap into God's greatest grace"

I just love the message in those words and pray that you find such abounding grace this coming year.

Jane In The Jungle said...

so simple but so profound...kinda a head-slap "why didn't I think of that" moment!
Keep hangin' on girl.....

Sandra said...

You are such an inspiration, a true strong woman and I admire you more than you could ever know.

I'm holding you up in prayer and keeping you in my thoughts.

Hugs,
Sandra

Darcie said...

It really is all in how we look at what life hands us, huh? Such a beautiful spirit that you are going forth in. It's not for us to questions the reason "why" we go through different experiences, but to see what the "purpose" is. We are all in this sea called, "life", just in different boats. Hope the waves cease for you soon.

Andrea said...

Praising GOD for your faith, strength, and courage during this difficult time. Hang in there...
Much love, hugs, and prayers, andrea

Girly Muse said...

I like that quote!!! Just imagine the come back you're going to be making! Whew!

Love & Prayers...

Love,
Lori

COUNTRY MOM said...

Kat, I pray you are healed and pain free soon. I think about and pray for you often. I have MISSED you. Thank You for being a part of my blog. I look forward to another year of blogging with you. Hope you are healed and have the best New Year my friend. Much Love and Blessings, Audrey

momstheword said...

Or we may not be in a ship at all. We may be barely treading with our head above water. But the Lord still holds us in His tender loving arms.

My mom does a lot of stuff. She says she's going to hurt anyway so she might as well enjoy her life.

My brother does the same, although sometimes his days are worse (he has terminal cancer) and he gets sick and just has to stay in bed.

Pain can wear you down and sap your strength and energy and dampen your spirits. But, as you say, God is in the works of making this glorify Him!

Someday, you will use this to encourage others. In fact, you already are!

Just Be Real said...

Dear one, hugs to you at this particular time. Love your analogy with Joyce! Yes, she is one determined lady and would keep any of us in line.

Dear one, I pray for strength and determination for you. Blessings and much hugs as you enter into this New Year!

Charlotte said...

Hi Kat,

Ouch! So sorry to hear this. Just Waiting and not knowing is the hardest part. Luv Joyce Meyers because she always finds a way to make lemondade out of lemons.

I hope you will soon feel better and I hope that you and Steve have a Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Charlotte

Our7isheaven said...

Hi, Kat,

I got you added to my book :) Thanks for letting me add you to the birthday list :)

Paula

Sheryl said...

I like Joyce Meyers too and thank you for sharing. As are many others, I'm in the middle of my own storm and not seeing alot of light yet. I will hold on to that phrase, thanks.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for you, it's going to be exciting!

Edie said...

I'm so sorry for what you are going through but I'm thrilled for what God is teaching you through it.

As I watched The Nativity Story this Christmas I was so reminded that God did not take Mary and Joseph out of the difficulties, but instead, He made a way through them. He makes a way for us too.

Rich blessings on you and yours for 2010!

Skoots1moM said...

Praying our captains sends you through calmer waters...pain free, too!
Happy 2010!

David C Brown said...

I was told recently that the bruised reed relates to a reed pipe - isn't all the bruising to give you a sweeter tune in the end!

Happy New Year!

LisaShaw said...

Dear Sister,

I was on blog break and have merged back in and came on over to check on you. You have remained in my prayers and will continue.

Joyce is wonderful. I met her in person and you would indeed love getting to know her. GOD has used her in MANY ways in my life over the years... I have been blessed in her ministry since late 80's. The book you're reading will bless you.

Stay strong in the LORD. I often say a set back is a set up for success!

GOD has you covered and He loves you deeply. Our prayers are with you precious and your family. Hold on to the LORD.

I pray healing and rest for you this year in Jesus Name!

I love you.

Joyce said...

Thinking of you in this new year and praying you find answers and healing.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

I like Joyce Meyers' works, too. Wishing you (and everyone) a 2010 with no setbacks!

Deb said...

You have a great attitude in spite of your pain.

I'm sorry that you are hurting.

You quoted a wonderful verse...He won't break a bruised reed.

Especially, when we're the ones with the bruises.

Prayers for you.

Sweet dreams.

Grandma Elsie said...

I am trying to catch up on my favorite blogs. Not felt like blogging much.
i am sorry to hear about your pain, but you are doing the right thing. Trusting in God to help you and he is helping you until he can heal what ever is wrong, be it through doctors or his power.
God loves us and I rerally don't compherend that ! i just thank him for his help. May he soon send your help taht will cause you to be better . I prayed for you today.

Crown of Beauty said...

I just love this post. I've remembered you often these past days and have just kept hoping, you are right, for a nugget of news sharing the ray of hope that all is looking upward for you healthwise.

But here I come visit, and what do I get? Indeed a nugget, probably a gold bar! Thank you. Things are indeed looking upward for you my dear friend!

Thank you and thank you for writing this post.

How beautiful, a setback is a set up for a comeback!

Love it!

And I want you to know you are among the special blog friends that have touched my life this past year.

Keep on glowing for Jesus!

Love
Lidj