I’ve been down and out this week—literally. Last weekend, I hurt my lower back. I think I did it while cutting the grass. Yes, I cut the grass. I actually find it relaxing. Strange-huh? Anyway, do you know what it’s like not to be able to stand up straight or bend over all the way without experience incredible pain? I do!
I lost my mobility, and that, my friend, is disabling. Putting on anything below my waist became a major ordeal. At one point, I thought I was going to need someone to dress me—but I managed—in pain.
I first injured my back three years ago while jogging in the park proving my theory—all exercise is evil! Ever since, I’ve had reoccurring back troubles. With each set back, my friend encouraged me to see her Chiropractor. (Did I spell that right?) Anyhoo, I’d never seen one. This time, the pain was so great that I gave in and made an appointment.
After my examination, the Doctor said I had jammed my spine and we needed to reopen it. He put me on a stretching machine. Right away, I saw two benefits of the stretching machine which I’m sure has a technical name that I’m unaware of.
One: It was going to reopen my spine
And… two: perhaps it would make me taller! (I can wish can’t I?)
Miracles do happen. I’ve never felt better! I’m not 100% yet, but most of my mobility is back and that’s important. I didn’t like being dependant on others.
While mobility is a great benefit to the physical body, dependence is the key to survival when it comes to our spirituality.
While lying on my back, I realized the importance of this. I didn’t like being dependant on others while I was down and out. Yet, dependence is the very thing we need to succeed in our spiritual lives. You and I were created to rely on God’s Spirit for all things. Most of the time, our problem is we’re too dependent on self.
Such things as selfishness and worldliness can injure our benefits in Christ. If we’re relying on self, Christ can’t live His life through us. We stop the mobility of the Spirit working in our lives. On the other hand, when we acknowledge our dependence on God, the Spirit is free to move in and through our lives providing us with everything we need…power, love, strength, peace, joy…
Just as the doctor has restored strength to my back, God’s spirit provides strength for our daily lives.
Tracie Miles says
This is a wonderful post. A great reminder to be dependent on Christ in such a way that causes us to not do anything on our own strength. Hope your back continues to feel better!
Mags says
I just finished your book “An Untroubled Heart”. I appreciate it and your willingness to share. Just imagine the abundant life we could have if we didn’t give way to our insecurities and found ourselves confident in Christ.