I have spinal stenosis. Severe degeneration at C5, C6, and C7. On Monday, 1/29, I had surgery to correct it. It’s been rough, to say the least, but I am encouraged by what the Lord is teaching me through His Word and the love of my family, friends, and neighbors. God calls me to share my walk with Jesus to encourage others as I have been encouraged by Him.
Here's a video of what I've been learning. I pray it encourages you too.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
…but…rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character. Character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake… Philippians 1:29
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death… Philippians 3:10
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin… 1 Peter 4:1
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
Psalm 34 (most of it)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8
Thank you, Jesus.
