Recently I was at a very clear fork in the road with my health. I had been experiencing a variety of debilitating symptoms including headaches, nausea, and intermittent energy drops that left me feeling like I was one of those blow-up lawn ornaments at Christmas time that just got it’s plug pulled. My doctor suggested an option for treatment and I had to decide whether to do it, not having any idea if it would really help. I was not in control of the outcome, I just had to make the decision.
The biggest problem was that since I had no control over the outcome, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. This could have been a breeding ground for anxiety and disappointment. But, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord Who is There, demonstrated that He was with me. At that time, I read two verses that seemed to reach out to my heart and give me strength.
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2 (ESV)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
These verses lifted me up and encouraged me. They reminded me that I am a treasured possession. God is going to hold me as precious, something of great worth. And, He is going to treasure me in such a way that I will be able to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called me out of darkness” no matter what the results of my decision. Oh mercy! That is awesome!. He didn’t tell me the path I would end up on. He didn’t promise my circumstances would have me dancing in the aisles. I was going to proclaim His excellencies because I know he treasures me. I knew then, that whatever the outcome, it would be ok because I was his.
As it has turned out, I did decide to follow the advised treatment. Unfortunately, it did not cure my symptoms, but I continue on my journey pursuing wellness. And most importantly, I have a new stop-fungus-meds.com: each and every day. I can know with certainty that I am treasured by God and that he will be with me on my journey. He has me in his hands, and I will proclaim his excellencies, no matter what.
Have you been through a health challenge that has drawn you closer to God? What is your “Treasured” story?
Janine Henning, Instructor, Roseville, CA
Janine has been an instructor with Body & Soul since 1991. She is certified to teach Cardio/Strength, Power Strength, Fit360 and Gold classes. Her motto is "Together we can move toward fitness."
