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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FEET (01/17/19)
We are all an independent species. We love to get up in the morning…most of us do, attend to our normal schedules, go for our daily walk, and have the freedom to do what we like. We go to work, make meals, enjoy shopping, visit friends, and plan special events. We count on our bodies to do this for us, and although sometimes feeling tired, we manage to get through what we need to.

When our normal functions are broken in some way, we feel frustrated and depressed. We no longer have the security or option to do what we want and must depend on someone else. This is very hard for some people because they don't want to burden others or feel helpless.

Many people in the Bible also felt depressed, broken-hearted, or troubled. There's Jonah and his battle with the people of Nineveh and that extraordinary whale; Job and his devastation as he lost everything, including his physical health. Moses was ready to quit in the betrayal of his own people, and even Jesus was deeply anguished in the suffering that lay before him in the garden of Gethsemane.

We are not alone in our longing to be whole, healthy, and happy. As months of cancer treatments can alter our bodies' appearance and resilience; depression and feelings of anger can take over. Chemotherapy can pierce our bodies until we are almost ready to give up. Our feet and hands can become so numb, that simple things like walking or buttoning a shirt can become unpleasant and overwhelming. Radiation side effects add to the medley of unfortunate circumstances. There are many other crippling scenarios that may crush a person's spirit and others need to reach out in love and compassion.

Sometimes, we need to "air" our frustrations to relieve some pressure, but only for a while; we don't have to stay there. There is HOPE! We need to find purpose in our existence; we've been jolted out of complacency and into action for a reason. Is it to help others going through what we already have, or to come to terms with our weaknesses and try to develop goals for our future? We are all survivors of some kind and must surrender to our faith and believe God will see us through. Paul Tillich, one of the most influential Protestant theologians and philosophers of the 20th-century quotes, "Faith means being grasped by a power that is greater than we are, a power that shakes us and turns us and transforms us and heals us" (1). Those who suffer can grow a deeper faith within that touches other wounded warriors in amazing ways.

As we remember and discover all those hurting through disability, illness, or grief, may we reach out to them in love. May we help them to walk in God's grace and encourage them to see a rainbow through the shower of tears.


A true story about cancer survival amidst loving prayer warriors.
(1)http://www.audioenlightenment.com/paul-tillich-the-new-being
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Noel Mitaxa 
01/25/19
Thanks for this positive, heartfelt devotional.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/26/19
This is a powerful testimony. I'm not usually a fan of using the first-person-plural voice because it can isolate some readers. For example, I'm not a morning person, but you did cover that one area in your opening line, so that helps. I think it's a personal preference but I think it might have had more of an impact if you used I/me instead of we/us. I think that makes me feel more connected to the MC, but I also know others who prefer the other way. Having been sick, 80% bedbound, and struggling to leave the house for even fun things made me relate to much of what you were saying. There are many people who feel like a burden (including me), and you do a great job in witnessing to people like me as well as cancer patients and others who suffer. I'm not sure I'd have guessed the topic if I hadn't known it, but your message is strong. I think following the Holy Spirit while writing is more important than nailing the topic. You have a really powerful message. I can feel your passion, and I'm sure that your words will touch people in ways we might never expect. In the end, that's what matters most. Good job.
Barbara Culler 
01/26/19
I have not had to deal with constant illness, but I do know depression! Thank God he is there for us when no one else is. I had a hard time trying to see where the topic of feet fit it, other than your title of walking.
Bonnie Kronberger 
01/27/19
I love your ending...see a rainbow through the shower of tears. We all have experienced a loss of some sort or a huge disappointment, but when we seek God in our suffering He meets us in wonderful ways. It may take longer than we like but he sends the rainbow if we keep our eyes looking for it. Thank you for encouraging words.
Judy Sauer 
01/31/19
I can "see" the invisible feet of those who walk these health journeys. Your entry goes from every day existence then through the trials of putting one foot in front another to persevere, and carry on with a new normal. Nice job!