Are you frozen?

My shoulder is frozen.

For the third time.

And it’s not even cold outside!

The muscles have frozen the joint in place so that it requires rehabilitation for months before I can even do a simple thing like reach to the side. It is maddening, because I know that my arm was created to work with a range of motions, flexibility, and strength. And it used to accomplish those things painlessly all the time. Now, it simply won’t.

 

It is so frustrating when you have to do Physical Therapy for a part of your body that no longer functions the way you know it should. Even the simplest tasks become a challenge.

 

Part of me is angry for taking for granted all the times I moved and my body performed effortlessly, without giving a thought of appreciation for this gift.

 

Part of me is frustrated that my body operates so slowly now, and movement is accompanied by pain. I get so discouraged and impatient with it because it won’t do the things I know it should.

 

And it makes me wonder how God must feel when we don’t do the things He knows we can do. He has prepared work for us here on earth. And He has given each of us the necessary gifts, talents, experiences, training, and personality to join Him in this work. And yet, we hold back.

We don’t do it. Many times, we’re simply afraid that we can’t. Frozen. But God knows we can because it’s what He created us for!

As frustrated as I am with my shoulder, how much more frustrated is God with me? And yet, He is not a person with the shortcomings and limitations of a man. He is so much more patient than I am. And He is so much more powerful than I am. And He is able to provide the healing that overcomes freezing!

What has God prepared you to do? How can you see Him at work in your life? What gifts, talents, experiences and training can you use for His purpose?  Don’t be afraid. Let God work His Physical Therapy through you and show you what can be accomplished!

 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen me.  Show me how to use what You’ve given me to accomplish all You have for me.  Empower me to overcome whatever fear has frozen me.

Heal me!