
“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)
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.

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!
The Comments
Sandy Brannan
Amen!
Laura Bennet
I love how God uses pain to draw us to him. So often I do things to alleviate the pain, but forget to ask him for his healing touch!