Looking Back In Wonder - 2012 Praise Review

Last January 17th, I stumbled into my doctor's office feeling worse than I could remember feeling in years. I knew I was ill but I didn't know how ill. All I wanted was something for the bad cold and sinus infection I had but after taking a look at my vitals and quite honestly my face, my doctor insisted that I be taken immediately to the hospital. I refused but she insisted and also refused to let me drive myself because not only  were my sinuses badly infected, but I had a respiratory infection, I was dehydrated, had a bad fever and my blood pressure was so high it was only by the grace of God that I didn't  stroke out. I tried to argue with her but she wouldn't let me go.  She asked me to just lie down for a minute, gave me additional BP meds to see if she could bring my BP down. I felt too bad to keep arguing so I agreed to lie down in the dimmed examining room planning to leave soon afterwards. I was determined NOT to go to the hospital
.

While I was lying there I started praying and very quickly the Lord spoke to my heart just as clear as a bell and said, "I give the doctors wisdom for a reason. You need to listen to her."  That shook me because it was quick and it felt like a warning. I had to admit to myself that I was feeling very terrible and that I was very sick. My doctor came back in a bit later, flanked by a nurse, and insisted again that she be allowed to call an ambulance to send me to the hospital. I think it surprised her when I agreed to go.

They kept me in emergency for over 8 hours because I refused to let them admit me. (I had agreed to go, I didn't agree to stay.) After a course of antibiotics, fluids, multiple tests and constant monitoring they agreed that I could go home and finish recuperating there. I went home, climbed into bed and stayed there for four months. I had had it. I was done. I was worn out, I was exhausted, and I was depressed. I had quit. I told the Lord that the only way I was getting up was if HE got me up. I was through.

Needless to say, God is faithful. Over a long, long, long year He did get me up out of bed and on the road to physical and emotional healing. With the care of His Holy Spirit, the care, support and prayer of family, church and friends the Lord has brought me back from a mighty long way. My first day back at church last April after months being away, I had to cling to the arm of one of my dearest friends to make it into the church. It took me a long time to have the strength to walk from one room to another in my house without resting, but slowly, bit by bit, step by step, the Lord renewed my strength and renewed my life.

One year later, with the Lord's help, I am healthier than I have been in years. I'm over 50 pounds lighter, the meds I was taking have been decreased by more than 50%. I am able to walk briskly for over 30 minutes at a time without over taxing my heart and running out of breath. Today, even with a cold, I got out this afternoon and took a victory lap around my neighborhood and didn't break a sweat.

God is faithful, God is gracious, God is REAL good and I will sing His praises as long as I live!

Hallelujah!

How did God bless you  in 2012? We'd love to hear your praise report!