Devotional: An Answered Prayer

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

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My right shoulder had started giving me problems. Whenever I winced at the slightest movement, my husband would ask, “When are you going to the doctor to check this out?”

I responded, “If I ignore it, maybe it will go away.”

But the pain didn’t go anywhere. And it told me one afternoon (in a loud voice) while helping my hubby load my pick-up with tile.

I threw a piece with my “bad” arm, and the searing pain almost brought me to my knees. 

I stood in our garage, sobbing.

Again, my husband asked me about going to the doctor. I assured him I’d make the appointment when we finished what we were doing. 

The reason I put off calling the doctor was because I was scared.

I didn’t want to find out I needed surgery, but I couldn’t deal with the intense pain any longer. I called, and the receptionist set the appointment for a week later.  

While I waited, I prayed for God to heal my shoulder.

Me and the Lord spent quality time together discussing the possible outcome of my shoulder issue. Also, my husband and I went to Wednesday night service, and I received prayer. 

And while praying for myself, the Lord asked me to pray for others when my shoulder bothered me. I obeyed, and within days I noticed my pain had diminished to an occasional pang.

Thank You, Father.

On the day of my doctor’s visit, I found out I needed an MRI (another week and a half to wait and pray).

Finally, the moment arrived for the results.

The doctor came in and told me he had good news. I almost jumped off the table and kissed him.

He said I didn’t need surgery, and physical therapy would do the trick. My tears this time were tears of joy. God had answered my prayers. 

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Today’s Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for helping me during the rough patches in my life. That I have a Savior I can come to when I seek shelter from the storm. And Father, thank You for reminding me to always pray for others. I’m not the only one struggling. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!