Friday, May 8, 2009

I Still Need to Learn to "Cast and Present"

As I read over my devotion, I realized God's timing is so perfect. Maybe the devotion that ran today on the Crosswalk and Proverbs 31 website, "Cast and Present", brought you to my blog. If so, welcome. But I have to be honest. I knew I had a devo (that's Proverbs Staff lingo for devotion) running today, but I had written it so long ago, I had forgotten what it was about. So, I pulled it up on my computer last night. When I read it, I was just amazed at the work of the Lord yet again.

On Thursday, May 7th, I went with my son, Hayden (the same one with the passing out episodes) to a Spine specialist to get results from an MRI. About 3 weeks ago he started having extreme back pain. He had been running track. After his first race at a meet, he was in so much pain that the coach pulled him out for the rest of the meet. The next day I took him to the doctor. We were immediately sent to have x-rays. Then referred to a spine specialist. Then an MRI. Today we got the results. He has 2 cracks (fractures) in his left and right lumbar vertibrae. He has to wear a brace for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, his condition will be reevaluated. What we fear is that he will have to quit sports. He has football in his blood. So, our prayer is that his spine will heal by football season. But there are no guarantees. It's unknown how long he's had this condition or if even he was born this way. Regardless, the Great Physician knows all. And once again we are called to trust Him.

On the way to the doctor today I told Hayden I thought we should pray. First, we casted our burdens on Him. Told Him our fears and asked Him to take care of Hayden. Then we presented our requests to Him. And now we wait.Never when I wrote this devo did I think that when it was published online that I would be the one who needed the message. But I did.

Thank you Lord Jesus that You knew what I needed.So, maybe you needed it too. I hope you did, because that would make me ver happy. But even if you didn't, I know God used it for me.I think we all have something we need to "Cast and Present". Daily. How about you?

Much Love,

Melissa

13 comments:

Amy Carroll said...

Melissa,
I'm about to start my quiet time, and Hayden will be in my prayers.

Tell Blake that my little class was blown away by how well he presented the gospel in his Easter blog. They want him to come teach the class instead of me! :)

Amy

Unknown said...

Melissa,

I will be praying for Hayden, too.

He sounds like a very special boy!!

Love, Tammy Nischan

Renee said...

I read your devotion today on Proverbs 31 and it reminded me of a similar situation I went through. Two years ago on May 1, I gave birth to premature twin girls, Liliana died at 3 weeks old and Lilah was having heart surgery just a few days after her death. This was Lilah's second major surgery, so you could imagine my anxiety.

I remember being in the waiting room as the surgery began. My dear friend who also reads the daily Proverbs 31 devotion called to let me know what the devotion was that day. It was titled "The Great Physician Heals Broken Hearts". Oh how I took great comfort in that. It was a message from God. One among many, that reminded me He was in control.

I just thought I'd share and I also wanted to thank you for sharing your story. Today, it reminded me of how God really is with us every step of everything if we allow Him. Something I needed to hear as I approach the idea of having another child.

I pray Hayden is healed completely. I too fractured my spine in 2 places when I was 14. I wore a brace for 10 weeks and have had no issues since.

May God Bless you and your family,
Renee Kuhn

Joyful said...

Melissa...I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the key verse in your devo this morning!!!!

A very intense sharp pain awakened me at 2:15am this morning and I've been awake ever since. I called Telehealth and spoke with a nurse, and I'm calling my Dr. when the office opens in about an hour. My husband has taken the morning off to stay with me. Don't know what's up, but I've been so fearful.

I came on the computer and opened my Bible beside me, praying the Lord would speak His Word to me and what an encouragement to read about the Great Physician. I'm still in pain...but the Lord has used you to remind me of His care and love.

I'll be praying for Hayden.
Love ya tons,
Joy

Angie said...

I am a very strong willed person. I don't ask for help with anything. Physically or emotionally. I have always thought that I could fix or take care of whatever I needed. That has been until recently.
I am at a time in my life that I am having to totally rely on God. This is so new for me. A learning experience but a humbling experience. I have learned that I do need to ask others for help, even if it is only through prayer. But through prayer and prayers from others, I have seen a difference in my life.
I haven't needed the Physican for any physical needs but I have needed and still need the Physican for healing and strengthing of my heart.

Thank you for your devo and blog today!

Love,
Angie

Sheena said...

Dear melissa....

Hayden and you will be in my prayers today.

Take one day at a time with sweet Jesus

I am glad that God ministered to you in a special way today through your own devotion.

Isn't that just like God.. to do something amazing like that

WifeMotherGrandmotherofJoy said...

Melissa, I so needed your devotion this morning. It amazes me how God always has the words we need at the perfect time. I want you to know I will be praying for Hayden. I am a Mother of 2 grown sons, with 3 beautiful Grand-daughters in Mississippi,Happy Mothers Day, and may God bless your work for him, and your family. JLynn

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
A friend of mine just forwarded your "Encouragement for the Day" to me. Thank you so much for being open to the Lord in writing this devotional. Just two days ago my 5-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD, PDD and potential Aspergers syndrome. I have been devestated. This devotional really ministered to me.

Shannon Roberts
Arkansas

Dana said...

Melissa,
I am praying for Hayden. I raised 3 boys and know how important sports are to them. He sounds like a wonderful son. I want to thank you for sharing your story. Will be keeping you all in prayer.

In Christ,
Dana

Katharine said...

Dear Melissa,

I just "chanced" on your blog and want to add something that crossed my mind. I have had no experience with physical problems besides the usual self-treatable kind, but I do research biographies of famous home scholars. What I have found is an amazing well-spring of famous people who began life with some physical problem. From presidents to scientists and famous humanitarians, it sometimes seems that God uses physical challenges to mold the greatest futures. So, perhaps there is much more in store for you son after he returns to sports, eh?

Katharine

Anonymous said...

Your devo was so amazing. did you read UpWords from Max Lucado today? It was about how GOD heals. I firmly believe Hayden will be healed. I claim it in the name of Jesus.

Denise said...

Thanks Melsa, I needed to hear this too! Hayden is of course on the A list of prayers. Love to all and Happy Mother's Day sista! Have an awesome day with Momma Becky! D

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this Melissa!
I needed this TODAY!
My 4 year old has been in the hospital 7 times in his short four years of life with sever asthma attacks.
I know God is his healer and I really, really need your encouraging words today!
Thank you! Thank you!
Amber