The Thankful Project: November 25th

The Thankful Project: November 25th: Modern Medicine + Medical Professionals

You don't realize how thankful you are for your health until you don't have it. Today was one of those days that I just realized how much I take for granted medicine, health and doctors and all the other wonderful medical professionals out there. I've had a multitude of health issues since I was little. I think my first 'major' surgery was at 8-years-old and I've battled all sorts of crazy things throughout the years. About six years ago I became really sick again and underwent tons of tests and doctor visits...finally finding resolutions about four years ago. I've learned to deal with the cards I've been given but I don't talk about it much because I know as sick as I've been, people are a lot worse off than me. 

However today was an exhausting day of medicine, blood work and being bounced from one doctor to the next. In a matter of 24-hours my life has turned upside down again and I'm left without many answers but many future tests and doctor visits to come. In fact, as I sit here, I got the dreaded phone call from a nurse (it's never good when the doctor calls you right?!) and confirmed what I sort of knew but was hoping wasn't true. I don't know why I've been so sick or why I have to deal with the things I do but I know that God is in control- and whatever happens, happens. 

I trust in God and know that by His wounds we are healed. Even though I don't know what tomorrow holds and what my future will look like now, I know that God has a plan for all the pain and suffering. God is in control and I just have to trust that He'll heal me or He'll let me go through more medical struggles for a greater purpose that I can't see.

Tonight I'm thankful for medicine, for medical professionals, for healing, for peace, for diagnoses and for treatment. Praying for all those who are sick and ill tonight (emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically) and praying for God's peace and presence be with you.

The Thankful Project: November 18th

The Thankful Project: November 18th: Restoration & Healing

Jeremiah 30:17-19

¹⁷ But I will restore you to health
    and heal your wounds,’
declares the Lord,
‘because you are called an outcast,
    Zion for whom no one cares.’

¹⁸ “This is what the Lord says:

“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents
    and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,
    and the palace will stand in its proper place.
¹⁹ From them will come songs of thanksgiving
    and the sound of rejoicing.
I will add to their numbers,
    and they will not be decreased;
I will bring them honor,
    and they will not be disdained.

God heals, restores, and makes new. This section of scripture out of Jeremiah is a great reminder that God can and will not only restore you but bless you. Sometimes reading Scripture can get a little confusing, so I thought I’d break it down like this:

Verse 17: God can heal both our emotional and physical wounds, even if you feel forgotten, neglected, scorned or embarrassed

Verse 18: God will reestablish your worth and your value. He will build you up stronger and place you on solid ground. He will build you back up on a strong foundation- His grace, His love & His mercy

Verse 19: Bring your praise and thankfulness to the Lord, He will increase your riches in heaven, He will bless you and love on you

How can you not thank God for such a wonderful promise, and all He wants in return is for us to love Him, seek Him, pursue Him and honor Him. I’m thankful for this wonderful love! I’m thankful for restored relationships, healed relationships and relationships that honor Him. As humans we get caught up in this world; people offend us, we get upset and we can hold grudges. Know what though- God can repair your heart and replenish your spirit if you allow Him. Just this past week, someone I have been hardened towards due to the pain they inflicted upon me, came up and apologized. That was God’s hand completely. He brought healing to a wound that I’ve had open for quite a while. Thank God for restoration and healing!