Working in the woods has taken a toll on my body. On January 1, 2011 I was rear-ended and injured my neck and back. These injuries have been affecting me for the past three years. One of my biggest concerns for coming on the World Race was my back. One week of being a lumberjack has triggered a huge amount of physical pain as well as mental distress. The idea that I should’ve stayed home keeps running through my head. The enemy keeps telling me I am a burden to my team. Manual labor is a big part of the World Race, and it is very likely that this month will be one of many where my ministry involves heavy lifting. I cannot help but think if I am in this much pain after one week how am I supposed to do this for three more weeks or 8 more months.
Every time my pain fires up I try to stay positive and be thankful. I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful that my injuries are not more severe. I am thankful I am not paralyzed and can feel. Since the accident I have learned a lot about my body; I know when I can push and when I need to back off. After this week I know I need to take it easy but that does not mean back off from this journey the Lord has brought me on. God has told me to PUSH. He knew how long this mission trip was, he knew it would involve strenuous activity, and he knew the conditions of my neck and back; he still brought me here.
I know that God is the healer. He can do miraculous things. I believe that on this journey God will heal many people. I never really considered I could be one of those people. I think often times when we have poor circumstances we learn to accept them. I accepted the fact that I have a bad back. But God is our healer, He is my healer. I don’t have to have a bad back for the rest of my life. I believe He will heal me, but on His time not mine. He has used this accident to teach me many things and to strengthen me. There is a reason why I was in that car accident and there is a reason why he saved my life that night. I do not know what those reasons are but I do know God will reveal them on His time. So for now I just have to keep trusting and leaning on the Lord. He is my refuge and He will give me strength. I can and need to PUSH.
“True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.”
Psalm 23:3 The Message
“Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along His path.”
Psalm 37:34 NLT
