Luke 13:11-13,17b – Behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. And all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. (ESV)

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a severe form of arthritis that causes inflammation in my spine, knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, and hands.

I could not shave or even look into a mirror because my neck was locked in a downward position. The pain, at times, was so unbearable that I felt like I was losing my mind. Sleep came in short intervals as I spent most of my time in my recliner day and night.

Numerous medical appointments took up most of my waking hours, including a mini-stroke and several calls to 911 resulting in ambulance rides to the hospital.

To make a very long story short, however, just a few days ago, I received the news that I am now in remission, which means that signs and symptoms are reduced. The drastically reduced pain is still there, the stiffness is a constant companion, and the medication continues, but I am blessed! More than blessed!

• I have been blessed again and again by my loving wife, who babied me and prayed for me as she nursed me through the most difficult five months of our 55 years together.
• I have been blessed with a wonderful family who prayed for me and kept in touch on a daily basis.
• I have been blessed with wonderful friends from various denominations who prayed for me, sent cards, and even delivered meals.
• I have been blessed with wonderful doctors: my family doctor, my rheumatologist, my neurologist, and my cardiologist.
• And I have been blessed by the Great Physician, Who orchestrated all this from even before I was born. To God be the glory!

Perhaps, you have suffered with unbearable pain and the uncertainty of your future. Please remember that there are those, including the Great Physician, who are willing to help in time of need. For that reason, I, too, glorify God, as the woman in today's opening story did.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name for all that You have done for us, even though we don't deserve it. You have surrounded us with people who always look out for us: our family, our friends, our doctors. Your grace is definitely sufficient, for which we sincerely thank You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

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About the author:

Stephen French <sfrench3@telus.net>
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
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