Finding Shalom in Rehab

FINDING SHALOM IN REHAB FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A DOWNED CYCLIST

This is part three describing how my faith in God was strengthened through a very serious cycling accident. Friday evening when we realized we were going to rehab I needed my own and asked Saundra to bring my Bible. Saturday morning was a struggle to get in the shower, but it was wonderful! Every patient is given a six-minute test to evaluate their level of need for therapy. I could only go twelve steps -- with a walker. And I had to stop. It was literally all I could do. Once again God orchestrated wonderful care from nurses, the two therapists, a wonderful doctor, delicious meals via incredible people, a housecleaning lady that became so dear to us.

 

Verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Phil 4:13. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness . . . for when I am weak then I am strong,” 2 Co 12:9 & 10 describe my experience in rehab. My weakness allowed for a demonstration of the strength of God.

 

By Thursday I was walking a quarter of a mile with my walker, cycling on a recumbent trainer for twenty minutes at a level nine intensity, showering, shaving, dressing myself, getting in and out of bed by myself so that it was determined I was ready to leave rehab on Saturday. I was the first person to leave rehab that quickly. God was on the move! Nurses and other rehab personal were dropping by my room to see the ‘miracle man’ they called me. I am not the miracle man, but God is a miracle worker.

I read five Psalms each evening starting with Psalm 86-90. What I discovered was what it means to experience Shalom. Shalom means a great sense of wellbeing because of the presence, protection, and provision of God in one’s life. Every night I was brought to tears reading through each Psalm. I was brought to tears of joy, thankfulness, and prayer after reading the Psalms. For the first time in my life I experienced the Shalom that only comes from being in a dependent relationship with the one and only God! I have come to believe that part of what God was up to through this accident was so that I might experience my God and His Shalom!

Listen! I know God is choosing to glorify Himself differently with some of you other than healing, restoring, or strengthening. I have no answer to why He does what He does! He is God! Mysteries reside with Him. But that does not mean His love, care, concern, provision, and Shalom cannot be your experience as well. I pray that for you! Currently I say I am well, but I am not and continue to struggle in physical ways, but in relationship with my God, my Savior Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit in whom is my life and strength!