Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Don't Give Up

I'm not sure how to get started with this post other than to just jump in. The last time I posted it was July. Six months ago. I knew when I posted last time that that would be "it" for awhile. My husband was ill, and he's been my focus for this last year. I didn't want to be a broken record about how bad he was feeling, or how life was changing, so God sort of gave me a break. But I've known that once the New Year rolled around I would need to find my way back to this blog.

He has been ill for over a year with vertigo attacks that became more and more frequent until they were an everyday occurrence. I'm not going to go back through all that, if you'd like to catch up please read the post before this. We did everything we could do to combat this illness by changing our diets. Limiting salt and processed food helped tremendously, but after a while even that wasn't enough. We finally found a specialist, that is located out of town to get the help that he needed. He was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease back in October and since then has been on different treatments that are helping, and he is feeling much better; not 100%, but enough better that he has been able to feel more confident about the future; which is a big deal in our lives. Being sick and feeling like things will never improve is just about the bottom of the barrel so to speak.




Back in July I talked about not giving up. Specifically, not giving up on God. Trusting Him for His timing, wisdom, contacts, favor...the list is a mile long. Basically, don't give up on believing that God has the answers to all our needs. Key word...ALL..our needs. My husband felt so beaten down with this illness that he entertained thoughts that were defeating. Thoughts like he would always be sick, that he wouldn't be able to continue working, that he was old and washed up...feel free to insert any other pitiful thoughts that we come up with when we are struggling through some sort of lengthy situation. I would listen to all this for awhile, because I realize that some days you just need to vent; to get all of it out to whomever it is that will listen. It makes us feel better when we can just unload some of our frustration. So I would listen. I love him, so I listened. But finally I realized that this wasn't getting him anywhere fast and he had to get past all of the negativity, otherwise we were both heading for a downhill slide.

I've said so many times before how important it is to be in God's Word each day. Even if you don't feel like reading...even if you're so sick and depressed that you don't feel like picking it up or looking at it. Distancing ourselves from Our Heavenly Father is the worst thing we can do in times of trouble and upset. Even if we feel like God isn't around, I can guarantee that He is. I'd noticed that my husband wasn't reading his Bible anymore. I hadn't seen it out of his bedside drawer in weeks, maybe months. I waited and I prayed that God would speak to his heart and encourage him. Finally, I had an opportunity to ask him about it; not preachy or judgmental or condescending, I just encouraged him to get it out, open it up, and let God speak to his heart.

I've been through this so I know what I'm saying. Ignoring God because we aren't seeing things go our way is so easy. We feel hurt and alone and like He doesn't care. Why should we beat our head against the wall if God won't help us. Been there?

I believe there are answers in God's Word; inspired scripture that God shares with us. Words that He downloads into our hearts and spirit. Words that wake us up, encourage us, and give us direction. They inspire faith to manifest, that in turn gives us confidence in Him.

Are you going through something that has you worn out? Do you feel defeated and like things will never change? God has the Word for you. Come before Him with an open heart, open up your Bible, grab a pen and paper, then pray for wisdom and guidance. I guarantee that He will show up.
 
I promise that it won't be another 6 months before I'm back...promise.

love in Jesus,

20 comments:

  1. Thank you Debra... and bless you and your husband, xoxo Julie Marie

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  2. I do hope your husband will soon be feeling much better.

    For me and mine, God had other plans and took him home. We thought he had torn a neck muscle which caused him horrific muscle cramps in his neck. For 4 months we lived with hope in God to heal him, in the end, he was healed, as he is with Jesus, he left this earth the morning of Dec. 9th. He would have been 65 on the 20th. I found out at the hospital when he coded after going through the MRI, that he had a massive cancer in his bladder that had spread up his spine, which caused the muscle cramping and eventually loss of all mobility.It has been very rough for me, but my God is with me, and is taking care of me.

    I hope and pray that you and your dear husband have many more years together.

    FlowerLady Lorraine

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    1. Oh Lorraine, bless your heart. I can only imagine what you have been going through. You are in my prayers, please know that. God's ways are sometimes so mysterious, but I'm so glad that you are here right now, and fellowshipping with Him. I know He's wrapping His arms around you. Thank you for leaving that precious comment.
      love and blessings,
      Debra

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    2. It is tough to read of other believers going through difficult times. We know it's going to happen, we know that just because we trust in God doesn't mean that we're exempt from bad things that happen in our fallen world. But it is such a blessing to hear others speak of God and how He has brought them through those times. What a testimony to others of God's grace. I appreciate you opening up to us about your love and trust of Jesus. He alone can give us the strength we need and hope and a future. Blessings.

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    3. our God is a merciful God... he did not want your husband to suffer any more. it is a terrible loss to you, but knowing he is not in that horrible pain is comforting and wrapped in Jesus' loving arms just as in one of the many prayer shawls i knit for those in pain and suffering. you will be in my prayers as i knit...
      ^)^ linda

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  3. Debra...I knew you had this blog but I never went to it. I am so glad I did today. We are in the same boat (almost), at least we are on a similar journey. And I read Lorraine's comment and my heart is just breaking. I have not put this on my blog, but my husband has been battling cancer since it was found in August. The very first thing he did was pick up his bible, which did not have any dust on it. In turn, while I had consistently thanked God for all we had been blessed with, I was now asking for His help. Our prayers were answered, he had chemo, radiation and surgery and he is now cancer free. I continue to thank God for all we have had and for giving us even more. I really thought the outcome would be much like it has been for Lorraine, but I also knew we would fight and believe that God would do what was right.

    I truly hope and pray for the best for your husband, and for you. I was truly tested and continue to be each day. But we are never alone.

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane, I meant to get back with you earlier, then time got away from me. I knew your husband been sick but didn't realize it had been cancer. I'm so glad to know that things are good for the two of you. Praise God!! One thing I've learned is that as believer's and God's children our job is to have faith. He asks that of us. We cannot know the ins and outs of why one is healed and one goes home to heaven. We just have to believe that His plan is good for us, and that we stay connected to Him. Thanks so much for sharing, Jane. Give your precious husband an extra hug!! xoxo

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  4. I am so grateful that your husband is doing better
    We have such a BIG GOD and with his grace he gives us no more or less than we can handle
    even though we may question this truth at times
    Praying that this year will be filled with health and wholeness
    and the peace that passes understanding that all things are in his hands
    God Bless you both Much Love
    Pam

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  5. So thankful that God has been working in your husbands life and health. Thank you Debra for posting here, I have missed reading your heartfelt thoughts.

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  6. Hello Debra, This is the first time I have visited a day in the life. I've read your blog from time to time, but it was meant to be this evening. As a christian too, I try to be of good encouragement with my postings. For I am a LIVING MIRACLE!(I have posted about it twice-HEALED OF THE LORD) I know the LORD is dealing with me for 2013...I'm not sure but I know it will be about CHANGE...I feel an urgency. I am an intercessor in prayer and will be praying for those who need HEALING. Have a wonderful and blessed week! Roxie

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  7. Ah -HA! So I follow you on Common Ground enough to finally discover your secret identity . . . a Bible reading Jesus lover! Well, no wonder I loved you before! So terribly sorry that you've had a rough year. Trials aren't fun, but they are a method for bringing us closer to God, and I'm glad you realize that.
    Thank you so much for sharing this. Thank you for both of your beautiful blogs. I'll be back to visit often.

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  8. I'm glad to hear your husband is improving, Debra...this has to have been such a hard time for the two of you. I will keep you both in my prayers for healing and comfort...XO

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  9. I'm glad you've revived this blog Debra ~ I think we need this kind of community as much as the other. Perhaps even more. It's good for those that are hurting or need prayer or a listening ear to have a safe place to share their hearts. Blessings to you and your husband.

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  10. I'm happy to hear your husband is improving. Also very happy to find this blog through Common Ground. Sometimes we stumble into a blog at just the right time. I'm glad I stumbled in! Melinda

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  11. I used to work with a lady that had Vertigo! She tried everything to correct this, so I know how bad it can be! I find God's help every day! I believe in the power of prayer! When I need a decision, feel a little low or just need help in finding my way... Prayer is where I go! I ask God to help me and I listen, even though it isn't always the answer I would like:) I pray that your Husband will find something that works for him! BIG HUGS and prayers coming your way!

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  12. In the midst of our own trials, we often forget others have even more serious things going on in their lives.
    I'm so glad you are both better now... Thank you Lord.

    As for me....small though they are, they still are.....

    seeking Him, and loving you.

    barb

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  13. My word for 2013 is HOPE, an anchor for my soul. And that anchor comes by seeking Him and His word. Thanks for the encouragement!

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  14. debra, i'm so glad, as others have mentioned, that your husband is doing much better. i was diagnosed with Meniere's years ago, given a diuretic, then told i didn't have it... who knows?? i knit prayer shawls for my church ministry that i started. i will certainly keep you/husband in my prayers as i knit. please know that those of us who listen to others will always be here for you!! God Bless...
    ^)^ linda

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  15. I'm so glad to see you back!! Missed you here. May the Lord continue to strengthen and heal your husband and bless your perseverance in continuing to seek him through such a difficult time.
    Praying for you both,
    Deb

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  16. Good Morning, Debra. I found this blog through your visit with Anita, at Cedar Hill Ranch. I enjoyed your interview very much. Thank you for the encouragement to pray before I read a Christian book. He knows what I need better than I do! Thank you for the inspiration.

    God Bless you,
    June

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