Sheila
Sheila
“
This experience reminded me how fundamental my faith is to me, and of the importance of being part of a church community.
I’ve always said that an accident is something that happens in a split second. I proved this when working out at the gym with my personal trainer a few years ago. I reached for my water bottle, and the next thing I knew, I was lying on the floor in agony. I still remember one of the standard questions the 999 operator asked my shocked PT. Can she smile? I did my best!
I started praying straight away, asking God for help, knowing that He would be with me. An ambulance quickly took me to the hospital, with my shocked husband on board. Within an hour, friends from the church had already been in touch offering help. A friend at the gym had passed on the news.
Prayers for recovery were answered, thanks to the skill of the medical team. The church community gathered round to support us in practical ways, and in prayer. I’ll always be grateful for this.
During my recovery, I had some very painful and stressful moments, when I cried out to God in prayer. I felt able to express to Him more than I could say even to my loving husband, or to caring friends. I felt comforted and grateful to God for His all-embracing love.
This experience reminded me how fundamental my faith is to me, and of the importance of being part of a church community.
I have a notebook in which I occasionally write a Bible verse or note that means a lot to me that day. The entry for 27 October, 2018 says:
Written 1 month after breaking hip. Note from Scripture Union’s Bible study of Philippians 4:10-23. “Ask God to help you put your faith in him, and for a joy that goes beyond circumstances.”
Jesus never promised that we would not suffer or go through difficult times, but He did promise that we would never be abandoned. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)