My Aching Back

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal” (2 Corinthians  4:17-18

So, I’ve been laid up with a back that decided I should do nothing. I mean NOTHING. No walking, bending or sitting this summer. It came on suddenly. I’ve been asked if I had any indication my back was giving me trouble? The answer is, “No.” I’ve had back issues for years. All the aches seemed the same…until all of a sudden they weren’t.

This meant a trip to Urgent Care, then a doctor, another doctor, then PT, then another doctor…I think you get the idea. It all involved a lot of pain and an inability to all of a sudden not being mobile.

In the beginning…No. Not that Beginning. The beginning of this back pain beginning, there were times I didn’t think I could breathe. There were times I wondered if I would be able move again yet alone walk. But the one thing I could do all the time was…pray. Pray to get through the pain to get through the day. Sometimes it was a one word prayer, “Jesus”. Other times it was two words, “Lord help!”

But, with my involuntary inactivity, I found there were some things I could do. Besides praying for myself, I could pray for others going through difficult times. I felt that at least I was doing something positive. It became a time to watch the world through my window. I’d watch the humming birds at the feeder, the squirrels running across our fence. I enjoyed the quiet of a rainfall. I’d watch the people jogging, walking their dogs or children riding their bikes (I have to say I did envy them and wondered if I’d ever be able to do any of that again – but not the jogging!)

I’m slowly getting back on my feet after 4 1/2 months. But the struggle in any kind of pain, emotional or physical, should not be a cause to question our faith or the “Why me?” question. When we face a struggle in any situation, it can be hard to understand where God is and does He understand what I am going through. We need to trust that He cares for our lives and that when we become tired, pain ridden and frustrated, to fully lean on God.

We need to remember that each of life’s challenges and pain may not come with an answer but to put our trust in God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, be near us during times of stress and pain. Grant healing to all those facing life’s suffering and challenges. In Jesus name, Amen.