The Last Thing or the First Thing?

I have been having some minor health issues lately.   Since July, I have been having pain in my right shoulder and my right arm now and then.   I have been to the doctor two times about the issue.   I have taken a few prescriptions for the problem, and have taken over the counter pain relief pills regularly.   I am currently in the process of having some tests to accurately diagnose what is the problem.  Though I continue to engage in regular exercise, I have changed my exercise regimen to not aggravate the problem further. 

A few weeks ago, I discovered that there was something that I had failed to do about my health issue and it is this:   I had not prayed about it.    I had talked to my wife about the issue and to various family members.  I had consulted with my doctor about the continuing pain.   I had changed my exercise routine.   I was dismayed that I had not prayed about the issue.  Instead of making prayer the first thing I did about this physical issue, I had made it the last thing. 

During the time, I have experienced this pain in my shoulder and arm, there has been much happening in our world.   There have been natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes.   There have been people I know and love who have died or who have had loved ones to die.   Almost daily I read in the newspaper or on the internet of some major international incident that seems on the threshold of beginning.   During those events, pain in my shoulder and arm seems to be quite minor.   Yet, I believe that the God who created all of us is concerned not just about billions of people in this world but each one of us. 

I share this personal experience not just because I would appreciate your prayers for my health but because I suspect that there are some others out there who are quick to pray for others and diligent about caring for their health but are slow to pray for themselves.      Years ago, I remember being in the home of a woman named Mildred who had nine grown children.   On the wall of her living room, she had a framed piece of cross stitch that said: “A Mom is a person who has enough love for all her 9 children, but who loves them as if there was only one.”   I believe that Mildred learned such love from the best teacher and example of all:  our God.   That same God loves me and you the same way.   Have a joy-filled week. -   Pastor Randy Wall 

Prayer: “Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care.  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”   Thank you, God for prayer.  I pray this day for myself and my needs.  Thank you for hearing my prayers; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.