Did you ever pray for something when you just did not know how it was going
to happen if not for some divine intervention? AKA miracle. I am sure many of
us have done that at one time or another. It might have been in the midst of
some serious situation where we really needed help and answers. Or, if we are
honest, it might have sometimes been in a situation where we could have solved
the problem if we had just gone about it the right way or put some effort into
it. Then again, I often find that I am struggling with something that I have
not even thought to pray about.
Take a situation I have been dealing with for the better part of the
past year - back pain. It's a common problem, especially as one ages, which is
probably why we don't often think of it is something to really put some prayer
effort into dealing with.
I have had problems intermittently with my back over the years. I think
we taller people are more prone to this. In the first half of last year, when
it seemed I was coming up against another exacerbation of this problem, I
realized that I needed to do more about it. I had already seen a
physiotherapist previously for this problem on more than one occasion and knew
something of what exercises I should do to help myself. By the end of July, I had
really sorted out what I thought were a good selection of exercises based on
what advice I had been given professionally earlier, as well as what I found
on-line. After working diligently on these for a couple of months, I thought I
should check back with the physiotherapist to make sure I was working on the
right set of exercises to help my problem and not cause further harm. She did
help me refine them somewhat and I carried on.
However, after another five months of doing quite well by those
exercises for one who generally hates that, things were not getting any better.
So, I went back to see the physiotherapist. One of her first comments was,
"Lorne, it's arthritis." In other words, the root of the problem is
not going to go away. You have to live with it.
By this time, I had been praying for things to get better because
chronic back pain is no fun. The physiotherapist was quite sure though that if
she gave me a short course of laser therapy for my back, it could really help
the pain. I had one or two treatments. Then, I had a busy weekend, following
which I went to visit my parents for a four-day trip. During all that time, I
did not do the exercises. Surprisingly, I really felt a lot better with respect
to my back.
Was the laser the miracle I had been waiting for? I really could not
believe that, especially with only one treatment. When I went back to continue
the treatments after returning from my parents, the physiotherapist and I
discussed things and we came to the conclusion - believe it or not, especially
for one like me who is not into exercise - that I had probably been overdoing
it, particularly with some of the exercises. They might just have been
exacerbating that grinding spinal joint pain.
Well, that was good news. I could ease off. That was two weeks ago and
things are still going quite well. I guess I would have to say that was my answer
to prayer, my miracle. Nevertheless, I will go for my last treatment and
continue with the exercises that we don't think will make things worse. There
are some things you just have to do. However, I am thankful for the
considerable improvement I am enjoying. Praise the Lord!
So, as the psalmist kept doing, and I have been known to encourage
others to, I am sharing this story with you. Perhaps it will help you in some
situation you are dealing with.
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