I wrote this piece back in 1995, shortly after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I had worked on computers for 10 years at my place of employment, and then I started having problems with my hand and tendonitis. The pain spread to my arm, and I ended up having to leave that job because I couldn't perform the necessary duties anymore. And then the pain spread to my leg, and continued spreading until it affected my entire body. I went through months of doctor's visits and therapy, all trying to figure out why the pain wouldn't go away.
I wish I could say that I handled it with courage, but I didn't. It was frustrating to be in that much pain, and have doctors sit there and tell you "It's all in your head. Nothing shows up on the tests, so there's nothing wrong!" I finally got so depressed that I thought it WAS in my head. I got in my car one day and went for a long drive. I felt totally alone, and I didn't think there was anyone, anywhere, that understood what I was going through. Then I reached for something in the glove compartment, and a piece of paper fell out. I pulled over and stopped, and unfolded it to see what it was. There glaring back at me, in my daughter's handwriting, was Isaiah 41:10. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
I sat there for a long time and let the tears run down my cheeks. I had no idea when my daughter had placed that note in there, but she told me later that she knew I'd find it, when the time was right. God's timing is always right, and He knew I needed it right then and there. I had placed my faith on hold, and all the help I needed to get me through this ordeal was right there in that verse. I asked God to forgive me, and I leaned heavily on His promises as I drove away with a new sense of hope.
Shortly after that, I was sent to a doctor that finally knew how to diagnosis my illness. It didn't mean I felt better right away, but God answered my prayers and sent me in the right direction. Once I was properly diagnosed, I was able to go on medications that helped ease the pain, and I was well on my way to starting my life all over again. The lesson I learned from that whole experience is that believing in God alone doesn't mean our lives are going to sail by without any struggles. But it does mean that if we believe in Him, and practice our faith by counting on His promises, then He gives us the strength we need to move forward.
Fortunately, our medical industry is much more aware of this illness now than they were back in 1995. Please visit the National Fibromyalgia Association to learn more about Fibromyalgia. Another good website is Fibrohope.org.
I asked the Lord to bless you
as I prayed for you today;
To guide you and protect you,
as you go along your way.
His love is always with you,
His promises are true;
and when we give Him all our cares,
you know He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on
seems difficult at best,
just remember I'm here praying
and God will do the rest!!
(author unknown)
