I’ve been fighting this weird eye infection the majority of my time on the field. This month in Swaziland (eSwatini) I was waking up day after day with my right eye crusted shut and throughout the day it would be itchy, irritated and watery. On Wednesday it was finally painful enough I decided to go to the clinic down the road. I had been to the doctor for this eye problem twice on the race thus far, and I didn’t really know why going a third time would help. Upon arriving at the clinic, I learned they had an eye specialist on staff. My hopes started rising. When I got to her office, I learned that she studied for 3 and a half years in Boston. My hopes rose again. She asked questions the other two doctors I had seen before didn’t ask. She checked my vision and looked into my eye with one of those weird telescope things. She even took an eye swab to test for bacteria. She prescribed antibacterial eye drops and some weird eye goo I put under my eye before bed (clearly, I’m not a doctor.) She told me to come back on Friday for my results. When I got there today, she shared that the test came back negative for any bacteria growth. She prescribed a steroid based eye drop and told me to come back again next week if it doesn’t get better.
Today, while I was sitting at the porch of our home here in eSwatini, I was listening to some new songs I just downloaded on Spotify. A song I had never heard before came on, and the lyrics gripped my heart. “God you’re the maker of my heart, you’re the healer of my scars.” At that moment Lord reminded me of something. Sometimes we spend so much time searching for satisfaction and healing in all the wrong places. I spent two weeks here before going to the doctor. Just like in life I have sat in seasons of sin just waiting for God to pull me out.
My friend and squadmate Adria prayed over me before I headed out to the clinic on Wednesday. She prayed for healing, for the doctor to have wisdom regarding my current situation and for Holy Spirit to open and give me new spiritual eyes. When we spend too much time operating as anything less than who God has created us to be we’re just wasting time. When we fully step into all that God is and all He has for us we can step into who we were created to be.
By not going to the clinic and getting my eye checked out I was not allowing God to be my comforter, healer and provider. He is worth getting your hopes up because He will never let you down.
God, the creator of the universe, loves you. He’s waiting at the door ready to have a relationship with you. Life is so much better living in His will and operating the way he made us. What are you waiting for? Step into freedom today! The bible says if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. He’s not far away, and He’s not a God that withholds good things from his children.
Scriptures of the day:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-10 (MSG)
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (ESV)
Song of the day: Draw Near
