Strength for Today

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:8-10, NLT).

Today's strength is sufficient for today. We don't have leftover strength for tomorrow. God's grace comes as we need it. I sure need that reminder, and I need to believe it, not just talk about it. A lot has happened since my last post.

The doctor said that everything was healing better and the infection was kept at bay. Then, on Monday, he opened the wound again and cleaned everything out. Although I don't doubt that there may be a certain amount of infection, each "cleaning" increases the healing time because it removes the new skin that is being regenerated, and it needs to regenerate again. Besides that, it often hurts like crazy. Some days the doctor gives me a pain shot through the raw flesh, which also hurts beyond words. My brother Mark has encouraged us to wait through this week to see if we should be patient for traditional healing or opt for a skin graft, which the doctor has encouraged in past visits. The challenge is how skin from my thigh will take to my heel, which is a different texture of skin because it has to support all the weight of the body.

I want and need to get back to work. I don't want my ministry to be "on hold" indefinitely. My family also needs me. I would rather not be floating around "in limbo" due to substandard medical care or counsel. I'm not sure I trust my doctor, which I realize is a terrible thing to admit. But with antibiotics and daily cleanings, I am puzzled that there would not be more positive healing by now, especially since I am not getting up for anything other than the bathroom and going to the doctor. But, then again, I am not a medical professional and cannot come up with the "final word."

I also need prayer to remember to be kind to the doctor and nurse. I should not take out my frustration on them. I need to be a light in the midst of this "physical darkness."

That, my friends, belongs to God. Your continued prayers are appreciated!