“I looked him in the eye and said, ‘I feel like I should have a frequent flyer card or something.” The surgeon had come to the exam room for a follow-up appointment for January’s spine surgery (lumbar), and while he was with me, we scheduled my “surprise” second surgery. I had CSpine surgery in 2016, and by the time you read this, I will be on my way to Little Rock for the second one. I am grateful to God for the success of January’s surgery. Here we go again!
I will trade my velcro fashion belt for a collar, and I have put much of my routine on hold that I had barely started. I am hopeful for God’s mercy and that my third spinal fusion will signal the end of my year-long health adventure. In all seriousness, I’ve suffered precisely one year of chronic pain (April to April). I don’t believe this to be a permanent shift in my health – I do think this has been a season. A hard one.
Lately, I have been discussing my struggles with some of my closest friends and family. I have been alert to what God is teaching me and how he is better equipping me for future ministry through these difficulties. Though God did not necessarily cause these problems, He has allowed them to happen. I trust there is a purpose. This I can know for sure: He constantly teaches and shapes me to become more like Christ. I decided years ago to live life intentionally. Therefore, I have decided not to waste my pain but instead use it for the glory of God.
In the past year or more, I have been studying the life, writings, and theology of the apostle Paul in my Bible study time. Paul believed it is essential to be truthful and open about our suffering. He encourages us to acknowledge all our feelings and experiences while developing an eternal perspective. Although pain can be overwhelming, we can remind ourselves that this life is temporary and that God is building a better home for us. Paul also reminds us to have faith and trust that God is always at work in our lives, even amid our struggles.
Additionally, Paul encourages us to live our lives to please God. While this may look different for each of us, the ultimate aim is always the same. Even if we are facing chronic illness, we can still strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. I thank God for Paul’s writing and his biblical model that we can look to, even today.
An Everyday Theologian 